PM POSHAN Scheme (Mid-Day Meal) — Free School Meals for Children

PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman), formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme, is a centrally-sponsored programme that provides free cooked meals to school children across India. It is one of the world's largest school feeding programmes, covering over 11.8 crore children in approximately 11.2 lakh schools.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with the Government of India.

What is PM POSHAN?

The scheme was renamed from Mid-Day Meal to PM POSHAN in September 2021 with enhanced features. Its objectives are:

• Improve nutritional status of school-age children
• Encourage school attendance and reduce dropout rates
• Enhance concentration and learning capacity
• Promote socialization among children from different backgrounds
• Support women's employment through self-help groups preparing meals

The scheme runs on all school working days during the academic year.

Who is Eligible?

Covered Students

• All children studying in Classes 1 to 8 (Primary and Upper Primary)
• Schools covered: Government schools, government-aided schools, and schools under Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS) and Alternative & Innovative Education (AIE)
• Pre-primary students (Bal Vatika) in government schools — newly added under PM POSHAN
• Students of National Child Labour Project (NCLP) schools

Not Covered

• Private unaided school students
• Children above Class 8
• Schools not recognized by the government

Nutritional Standards

Primary Level (Classes 1-5)

Upper Primary Level (Classes 6-8)

Additional Provisions Under PM POSHAN

• Fortified rice to be used in all states
• Supplementary nutrition items like milk, eggs, fruits, and local superfoods (as per state decision)
• Tithi Bhojan — community participation where local individuals/organizations sponsor enhanced meals on special days

How PM POSHAN Works

For Parents/Guardians

1. Enrol your child in a government or government-aided school (Classes 1-8)
2. No separate application needed — the meal is automatically provided to all enrolled students
3. Ensure attendance — meals are provided only on school working days when the child is present
4. Participate in the School Management Committee (SMC) to monitor meal quality

For Schools

1. Schools receive foodgrains (rice/wheat) from FCI through state agencies
2. Cooking cost is shared between Central and State governments
3. Meals are prepared by self-help groups (SHGs), centralized kitchens, or school-level cooks
4. Automated monitoring through the PM POSHAN portal with real-time data entry

Funding Structure

Cooking Cost Per Child Per Day (Indicative)

• Primary: ₹5.45 per child per day
• Upper Primary: ₹8.17 per child per day
• These rates are revised periodically

Quality & Safety Measures

• FSSAI guidelines must be followed for food safety
• Tasting by teachers/adults before serving to children
• No use of MSG or harmful additives
• Regular inspection by School Management Committees
• Automated monitoring on the PM POSHAN portal
• TPDS (Targeted Public Distribution System) quality foodgrains

New Features Under PM POSHAN

1. Nutri-Gardens — Schools encouraged to grow vegetables and fruits in school gardens
2. Tithi Bhojan — Community members can sponsor special meals
3. Cooking Competitions — To promote diverse and nutritious menus
4. Social Audits — Mandatory social audits for transparency
5. DBT for Cooking Cost — Direct transfer to school accounts for transparency

Important Tips

1. Monitor Quality — Parents should participate in SMCs and visit schools to check meal quality.
2. Report Issues — Use the state helpline or PM POSHAN portal to report quality issues.
3. Encourage Attendance — Regular school attendance ensures your child receives nutritious meals.
4. Know Your Rights — If your school is not providing mid-day meals, complain to the Block Education Officer.
5. Volunteer — Participate in Tithi Bhojan to enhance meals for all children.

Related Guides

• Check the National Scholarship Portal guide for student financial support
• Read about ration card application for food security
• See the Nikshay Poshan Yojana guide for nutrition support for TB patients

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do parents need to apply separately for PM POSHAN?

No, there is no separate application required. All children enrolled in Classes 1-8 in government and government-aided schools automatically receive mid-day meals.

Q2: Are meals provided during school holidays?

No, meals are provided only on school working days. During COVID-19, food security allowance (foodgrains + cooking cost equivalent) was provided to families, but this was a special measure.

Q3: What if my child has food allergies?

Inform the school and the School Management Committee about any allergies. The school should make reasonable accommodations, though the menu is generally standardized.

Q4: Can parents check the quality of food being served?

Yes, parents are encouraged to participate in the School Management Committee (SMC) and can visit the school to inspect meal quality. Social audits are also conducted periodically.

Q5: What action can be taken if mid-day meals are not being served properly?

Complain to the school principal, Block Education Officer, or District Education Officer. You can also report on the PM POSHAN portal or call the state education helpline.

Q6: Is the mid-day meal scheme available in private schools?

No, PM POSHAN covers only government schools, government-aided schools, and schools under special education schemes. Private unaided schools are not covered.

Last updated: February 2026. Always verify current details on pmposhan.education.gov.in.