The Mid-Day Meal Scheme, now known as PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman), is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at improving the nutritional status, health, and overall well-being of school children. The scheme provides freshly cooked, nutritious meals to eligible students on every working school day, ensuring that no child is deprived of education due to hunger or malnutrition.
The programme encourages regular school attendance, reduces dropout rates, and promotes social equality by allowing students to share meals together in a healthy and inclusive environment. In addition to supporting physical growth, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme helps improve students’ concentration, learning ability, and classroom participation. By ensuring proper nutrition, the scheme contributes to the holistic development of children and creates a positive learning atmosphere within the school.
The scheme also promotes healthy eating habits and creates awareness about the importance of balanced nutrition among students. Regular monitoring of meal quality, hygiene, and food safety ensures that children receive safe and nutritious meals every day. By reducing classroom hunger and enhancing students’ physical and mental well-being, PM POSHAN enables children to participate more actively in academic and co-curricular activities. It plays a significant role in building a healthier, happier, and more productive learning community while supporting the vision of inclusive and equitable quality education for all.