Rajasthan Bal Gopal Yojana — Free Milk for Students

What is Rajasthan Bal Gopal Yojana?

Bal Gopal Yojana is Rajasthan government's school nutrition programme that provides free milk to children in Classes 1 to 8 in government primary and upper primary schools. Launched in 2022, it supplements the existing mid-day meal programme (PM POSHAN) with protein and calcium-rich milk.

Key Benefits

No income limit. No BPL card required. Every enrolled student gets milk automatically.

Nutritional Significance

Per 150 ml serving of whole milk:

• Protein: ~5 grams
• Calcium: ~175 mg (supports bone development)
• Fat: ~5 grams (energy)
• Vitamins: B12, D, A

For many rural and poor children, this milk is a significant source of dairy protein in their weekly diet.

Who is Eligible?

All children enrolled in Classes 1–8 in Rajasthan government schools.

No separate eligibility criteria. No Aadhaar required. No form to fill. Just attend school on the days milk is distributed.

How the Scheme Works

1. State government procures milk powder from Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (RCDF / Saras)
2. School staff prepare milk by mixing milk powder with hot water in prescribed ratio (150 ml per child)
3. Milk is served hot during school hours — typically morning break or during mid-day meal time
4. School maintains a daily register of milk distribution

Combined With Mid-Day Meal

Under Rajasthan's school nutrition strategy:

• PM POSHAN (mid-day meal): Free hot lunch (cooked food) every school day
• Bal Gopal Yojana: Free milk twice a week
• Swami Vivekanand free textbooks: Free textbooks for govt school students

Together, government school students in Rajasthan receive a comprehensive nutrition support package.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Bal Gopal Yojana apply to private schools?

No. The scheme is exclusively for government schools (including government-aided schools in some districts). Private school students are not covered.

2. My child is in Class 9 in government school. Does she get milk?

Bal Gopal Yojana covers only Classes 1–8. Students in Class 9 and above do not receive milk under this scheme.

3. Is the milk safe? How is it prepared?

Rajasthan Cooperative Dairy Federation (Saras) supplies the milk powder. Schools prepare it with hot water under hygienic conditions. Schools are inspected by education department officials. Quality complaints can be raised with the block education officer.

4. My child is lactose intolerant. What should I do?

If your child has a confirmed lactose intolerance or allergy, inform the school teacher and headmaster in writing with a doctor's certificate. The school can note and excuse the child from milk distribution.

5. How much milk powder is given per school per week?

Schools receive milk powder based on the number of enrolled students (150 ml × number of students × 2 days per week). The school keeps a stock register.

Official Links