PM Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme
Last Updated
July 2026 Fact Checked By: Schemewala Editorial Team
Quick Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Beneficiaries | Children in Classes 1 to 8 in Government/Aided Schools |
| Core Benefit | One hot cooked, nutritious meal every school day |
| New 2026 Rule | Mandatory use of 100% Fortified Rice |
About the Scheme
Formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, PM POSHAN is the largest school feeding program in the world. It serves two purposes: eliminating classroom hunger to improve learning, and bribing parents (with food) to send their children, especially girls, to school.
High-Value Insider Info: Menu Rules & Tithi Bhojan
- The Fortified Rice Mandate: As of 2026, the government strictly mandates that the rice served must be "Fortified Rice" (kernels enriched with Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12) to fight anemia.
- Menu Rights: There is no single national menu. However, the School Management Committee (SMC)—which comprises parents—has the legal right to decide the local menu. The school MUST display the daily menu on the outside notice board.
- Tithi Bhojan (Community Participation): PM POSHAN includes a special feature called Tithi Bhojan. If it is your child's birthday, or a festival, you as a citizen can legally volunteer to provide a special meal, sweets, or fruits to all the children in the school to supplement their regular diet.
- The Anti-Discrimination Rule: The guidelines legally prohibit making children sit separately based on caste, religion, or gender while eating.
Grievance Redressal (How to complain about bad school food)
If the principal is stealing rations, or serving watery dal and plain rice:
- Take Evidence: Take a photo of the poor quality food and a photo of the menu painted on the school wall.
- The SMC: Present this to the School Management Committee. The SMC has the power to fire the cook or report the headmaster.
- State Helpline: Every state education department has a toll-free Mid-Day Meal helpline (often 14417 or a state-specific 1800 number).
- Social Audit: PM POSHAN mandates district-level social audits. You can present your grievances when the audit team visits the Gram Panchayat.
Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Education | education.gov.in |
FAQs
My child is in Bal Vatika (Pre-primary). Do they get the meal?
Yes. Under the new PM POSHAN rules aligned with the National Education Policy, the hot cooked meal is extended to students studying in pre-primary classes or Bal Vatikas attached to government schools.
