Addressing the crucial link between good nutrition and academic performance, in 2018 the Government of India has launched the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme. This initiative aims to combat malnutrition and promote school attendance among children.
Successor to the Mid-Day Meal Scheme
Previously known as the National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools, PM POSHAN builds upon a strong foundation. It emphasizes the right to life with dignity, as enshrined in Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, ensuring access to at least two nutritious meals daily.
A centrally sponsored scheme under the Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA), PM POSHAN targets students enrolled in classes 1 to 8 across government and government-aided schools.
Combating Malnutrition and Encouraging School Attendance
PM POSHAN tackles two significant challenges:
- Malnutrition: By providing hot, cooked meals in schools, the scheme directly addresses nutritional deficiencies among children from disadvantaged sections.
- School Attendance: The assurance of a nutritious meal acts as an incentive for children, particularly those from low-income families, to attend school regularly. This fosters better focus and engagement in classroom activities.
Holistic Approach to Child Nutrition
The scheme goes beyond simply providing meals. Here’s a closer look at its key features:
- Food Grains: The government supplies a specified quantity of food grains per child per school day, ensuring they receive the necessary dietary intake.
- Cooking Costs: Additional funds are allocated to cover the expenses of ingredients, fuel, and other necessities for preparing the meals.
- Summer Meal Provision: In drought-affected or disaster-stricken areas, children enrolled in elementary classes continue to receive meals during summer vacations.
- Food Fortification: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) ensures food items are fortified with essential micronutrients to address potential deficiencies.
- Infrastructure Support: The scheme provides financial assistance for establishing kitchen-cum-stores within schools, ensuring proper food preparation and storage facilities.
Mission Poshan 2.0: A Step Further
Building upon the success of PM POSHAN, the government announced Mission Poshan 2.0 in the 2021-22 budget. This comprehensive program aims to:
- Strengthen Nutritional Content: Enhance the quality and nutritional value of meals provided under PM POSHAN.
- Improved Outreach: Ensure wider program reach and effective implementation across all states and union territories.
- Delivery and Outcomes: Streamline the delivery process and closely monitor the program’s impact on children’s nutritional status.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Eradicating Malnutrition
PM POSHAN serves as a crucial component of the government’s larger strategy to combat malnutrition. It complements other initiatives like POSHAN Abhiyaan, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, and the Anganwadi Services Scheme, forming a comprehensive framework to address nutritional needs across various demographics.
