PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) is the revamped form of the Mid Day Meal Scheme, introduced in 2021 for the period 2021–26.
It continues India’s flagship school meal programme, serving hot, cooked, and nutritious meals to children from pre-primary (Balvatika) to Class VIII in government and government-aided schools.
Under PM POSHAN (earlier Mid Day Meal Scheme), all children from pre-primary to Class VIII in government, aided, and local body schools (including special centres, madrasas, and maqtabs) get one free hot meal on school days.
Meals follow set nutrition norms, 450 calories & 12g protein (Primary), 700 calories & 20g protein (Upper Primary), with rice/wheat, pulses, vegetables, oil, and in some states, milk, eggs, millets, or fortified rice.
Communities also add value through Tithi Bhojan on special occasions.
Eligibility Criteria for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| School Type | The child must be studying in a Government, Government-aided, or Local Body school. |
| Classes Covered | Pre-Primary (Balvatika) to Class VIII. |
| Special Institutions | Children enrolled in Special Training Centres, Madrasas, and Maqtabs supported under Samagra Shiksha. |
| Income Criteria | No income limit, all enrolled children are eligible, especially from BPL families. |
Documents Required for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM POSHAN)
To benefit from the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, children only need to be admitted to an eligible school. At the time of admission, schools generally ask for the following documents:
- Birth Certificate / Age Proof – to confirm the child’s age and class eligibility (Balvatika to Class VIII).
- Residence Proof – such as Aadhaar card, ration card, or voter ID, to verify the address.
- Previous School Records – like a transfer certificate or report card, if the child is shifting from another school.
- Passport-Size Photographs – usually 2–4 photos for the school’s records.
- Aadhaar Card of Child and Parent/Guardian – required in many states for linking records and ensuring transparency.
Offline Application Process for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme
The Offline Application Process for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme is done through school admission; no separate form is needed.
Step 1: Registration at the School
Parents or guardians need to go to the school where they want to enroll their child. They will fill out a simple registration form given by the school.
Step 2: Checking Eligibility
The school will check if the child is eligible. They may ask for documents like age proof or school admission papers. Sometimes, they may ask parents a few questions.
Step 3: Enrollment Confirmation
If the child is eligible, the school will confirm enrollment in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Parents will be told when the meals will start and any instructions to follow.
Step 4: Regular Attendance
The child should attend school regularly to keep getting meals. The school will check attendance records.
Step 5: Meal Distribution
Meals are given to students during school hours. Food is served either in the classroom or in a dining area, depending on the school.
Step 6: Review and Feedback
From time to time, the school may ask for feedback from students, teachers, or parents to see how the scheme is working and how it can be improved.
How the Scheme Works (Funding & Implementation)
Funding
- Centre and States share costs in a 60:40 ratio (90:10 for NE & Himalayan states).
- Union Territories without legislatures are 100% funded by the Centre.
Food Supply
- FCI provides food grains free of cost to states/UTs.
- States arrange for cooking ingredients, infrastructure, and cooks’ honorarium.
Implementation at the School Level
- Headmasters/teachers supervise the programme in each school.
- Cook-cum-helpers (often from SHGs or local communities) prepare meals.
- In some states, NGOs like Akshaya Patra assist with large-scale cooking and delivery.
Monitoring & Transparency
- Social audits and School Management Committees (SMCs) check quality and usage.
- Mobile apps and MIS dashboards track fund flow, grain supply, and meals served.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ministry Runs PM Poshan?
The ministry of education, government of india.
How Many Children Benefit Each Year?
Around 11–12 crore students.
Are Private School Students Eligible?
No, only government and aided schools.
Who Prepares the Meals?
Cook-cum-helpers, SHGs, and some NGOs.
How Do Communities Take Part?
Through Tithi Bhojan, social audits, and SMCs.
