About the Scheme
PM POSHAN (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme) provides hot cooked meals to school children in Classes 1-8 in government and government-aided schools. Renamed as PM Poshan Shakti Nirman in 2021. Covers 11.80 crore children in 11.20 lakh schools. One of the world's largest school feeding programmes. Budget FY2025-26: ₹12,500 crore.
Target Beneficiaries: 11.80 crore children in Classes 1-8; 11.20 lakh government/government-aided schools
Implementing Agency: Ministry of Education (Nodal Ministry), State Governments and UT Administrations
Key Features
- Free hot cooked meal to 11.80 crore children in 11.20 lakh schools — world's largest school feeding programme
- Covers Classes 1-8; extended to Bal Vatika (pre-primary) in pilot schools
- Menu: locally sourced, nutritionally balanced; fortified rice mandatory from 2021
- Nutri-gardens (school gardens) promoted for fresh vegetables and fruits
- Social audit mandatory; community participation through village education committees
- Reduces school dropout rate; improves attendance (especially girls)
- Budget FY2025-26: ₹12,500 crore; 60:40 Centre-State (90:10 for NE/hilly states)
Eligibility Criteria
- Students enrolled in government and government-aided schools.
- Children attending local body schools, EGS & AIE centers.
- Students in Madarsas and Maqtabs supported under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
- Covers children studying in classes I to VIII.