POSHAN Scheme: Enhancing Nutrition and Education for Children

Why in the news?

The POSHAN Scheme saw a 13.70% increase in material costs, reflecting inflation adjustments and reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing quality meals to school children.

POSHAN Scheme: Enhancing Nutrition and Education for Children

Overview of the POSHAN Scheme:

  • Implementation: The Ministry of Education runs the centrally sponsored POSHAN Scheme.
  • Objective: Aims to combat hunger and promote education among children.
  • Coverage: Provides one hot cooked meal daily to students from Balvatika to Class VIII in government and government-aided schools.
  • Frequency: Operates on all school days for consistent nutritional support.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Nutritional Support: Focuses on improving nutritional levels, especially for disadvantaged children.
  • Educational Impact: Encourages regular attendance and enhances concentration, leading to better learning outcomes.
  • Emergency Provision: Offers meals in drought and disaster-hit areas during summer vacations to safeguard children’s health.
  • Recent Update: Material costs were increased by 70%, reflecting inflation and ensuring quality meals.

Importance and Broader Impacts

  • Addressing Dual Challenges: Tackles malnutrition and supports education simultaneously.
  • Improved Well-being: Enhances the health and future prospects of millions of children.
  • Government Commitment: Reflects dedication to the welfare of economically weaker sections.
  • Catalyst for Change: Contributes to a healthier, better-educated younger generation across India.

Key Facts about Pradhan Mantri POSHAN Scheme:

  • Renamed: Formerly the National Programme of Mid-Day Meal (September 2021).
  • Target Group: Students in Balvatika to Class VIII in government and government-aided schools.
  • Meal: One hot cooked meal served on all school days.

Objectives of the Scheme

  • Nutritional Support: Improve the nutritional status of children.
  • School Participation: Encourage regular attendance, especially for disadvantaged children.
  • Emergency Support: Provide meals in drought and disaster-affected areas during vacations.

Recent Update

  • Material Cost Increase: Enhanced by 13.70% based on the inflation index.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education.

Definition of Nutrition:

Nutrition: Assimilation of food that enables growth, maintenance, and reproduction.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times