Overview
The Ministry of Education clarified the nutrition and food norms under the PM POSHAN Scheme. The scheme is a joint effort of the Centre, State Governments and Union Territories (UTs). It aims to give a hot, nutritious meal to every child from Bal Vatika (pre‑class 1) up to class VIII in government‑run schools.
Key Developments
- One hot cooked meal will be served on every school working day to all eligible children.
- States/UTs can design menus that suit local conditions while meeting the prescribed nutrition standards.
- A flexi‑component of 5% of the recurring budget is earmarked for School Nutrition Gardens (SNGs) and supplementary nutrition in identified districts.
- Additional nutrition can be provided by States/UTs based on local food habits and cultural preferences.
Important Facts
The nutrition and food norms are split between Primary (classes I‑V) and Upper‑Primary (classes VI‑VIII) levels.
- Primary classes: 450 kcal and 12 g protein per child per day.
- Upper‑Primary classes: 700 kcal and 20 g protein per child per day.
- Food‑grain allocation: 100 g (Primary) and 150 g (Upper‑Primary).
- Pulses: 20 g (Primary) and 30 g (Upper‑Primary).
- Vegetables: 50 g (Primary) and 75 g (Upper‑Primary).
- Oil & fat: 5 g (Primary) and 7.5 g (Upper‑Primary).
- Salt & condiments: provided as per need.
The norms are anchored in the National Food Security Act, 2013 and the scheme’s guidelines.
Exam Relevance
Understanding the scheme helps aspirants answer questions on:
- Implementation of central schemes under the Concurrent List (GS2).
- Nutrition security, child health, and its impact on school enrolment (GS3).
- Co‑operative federalism – the shared responsibility between Centre and States/UTs (GS2).
- Budgetary allocations and flexi‑components in welfare programmes (GS3).
Way Forward
States and UTs should:
- Utilise the 5% flexi‑component to set up SNGs, thereby reducing dependence on external supply chains.
- Tailor menus to local agricultural produce, promoting millets and seasonal vegetables.
- Monitor compliance with calorie and protein norms through regular audits.
- Integrate nutrition education in the curriculum to reinforce healthy eating habits.
Effective implementation will improve child nutrition, boost attendance, and contribute to the broader goals of the National Food Security Act and Sustainable Development Goals.