Table of Contents
Relevance: TGPSC: Telangana Education, PM POSHAN, School Nutrition, KGBVs
For Prelims:
- PM POSHAN | Mid-Day Meal Scheme | Balvatika | CPI-RL | KGBV
For Mains:
- Child nutrition | School retention | Learning outcomes | Social equity | Human capital formation
Why in News?
The number of children covered under PM POSHAN in Telangana declined from 17.91 lakh in 2021-22 to about 14.5 lakh in 2025-26, according to data presented by the Union Education Ministry in the Lok Sabha.
About PM POSHAN Scheme
PM POSHAN, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Education.
The scheme provides one hot cooked meal per school day to eligible children studying in:
- Balvatikas
- Classes I to VIII
- Government schools
- Government-aided schools
It is implemented across the country without discrimination based on gender or social class.
Objectives of PM POSHAN
The scheme aims to:
- improve the nutritional status of school-going children
- enhance enrolment, retention and attendance
- support children from disadvantaged backgrounds
- reduce classroom hunger
- strengthen the link between nutrition and education
PM POSHAN is therefore not only a meal programme but also a major intervention in education, health and social equity.
Beneficiary Trend in Telangana
| Year | PM POSHAN Beneficiaries in Telangana |
| 2021-22 | 17.91 lakh |
| 2022-23 | 21.05 lakh |
| 2023-24 | 18.88 lakh |
| 2024-25 | 15.75 lakh |
| 2025-26 | 14.49 lakh |
This decline requires careful examination of enrolment, attendance, migration, school consolidation, data reporting and actual meal delivery.
Nutritional Norms under PM POSHAN
PM POSHAN prescribes both calorie-protein norms and food quantity norms.
Calorie and Protein Norms
| Category | Nutritional Norm Per Child Per Day |
| Primary Classes | 450 calories and 12 grams of protein |
| Upper Primary Classes | 700 calories and 20 grams of protein |
Food Quantity Norms
| Category | Pulses | Vegetables | Oil |
| Balvatika and Primary Classes | 20 g | 50 g | 5 g |
| Upper Primary Classes | 30 g | 75 g | 7.5 g |
These norms are important to ensure that meals are not merely filling but nutritionally meaningful.
Funding Pattern and Cost Indexation
PM POSHAN follows a Centrally Sponsored Scheme funding pattern.
| Region / Category | Funding Pattern |
| States and UTs with Legislature | 60:40 between Centre and State/UT |
| North-Eastern and Himalayan States | 90:10 |
| UTs without Legislature | 100% Central funding |
Measures Taken by Telangana
The Union Education Ministry stated that Telangana has taken several steps to improve meal quality.
Major Measures
- supply of fine rice to eligible students
- provision of eggs three times a week
- introduction of Ragi Java three times a week
- regular monitoring by State, district and mandal-level officials
- periodic inspections for food safety, hygiene and sanitation
These measures improve the protein and millet content of school meals.
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas in Telangana
The Centre also stated that 736 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas have been approved for Telangana, including 26 in Medak district.
KGBVs are important residential schools for girls from disadvantaged sections. Their linkage with nutrition and schooling is significant for improving girls’ education and retention.
Conclusion
The decline in PM POSHAN beneficiaries in Telangana is an important governance signal. The scheme plays a crucial role in linking nutrition, education, attendance and social equity. Telangana’s initiatives such as fine rice, eggs and Ragi Java improve meal quality, but declining coverage and concerns over cooks’ honorarium require urgent attention. A strong PM POSHAN system must ensure that every eligible child receives safe, nutritious and regular meals. Strengthening school nutrition is essential for building human capital and reducing educational inequality.
CARE MCQ
Q. Consider the following statements regarding PM POSHAN:
- PM POSHAN was formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Education.
- It provides one hot cooked meal to eligible children in Balvatika and Classes I to VIII in government and government-aided schools.
- The scheme is implemented only for university students.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct. PM POSHAN was earlier known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is implemented by the Ministry of Education, and covers eligible children in Balvatika and Classes I to VIII.
Statement 4 is incorrect because the scheme is for school children, not university students.
FAQs
1. What is PM POSHAN?
PM POSHAN is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme providing hot cooked meals to eligible school children.
2. What was PM POSHAN earlier called?
It was formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
3. Which Ministry implements PM POSHAN?
The Ministry of Education implements it.
4. Which children are covered?
Eligible children in Balvatika and Classes I to VIII in government and government-aided schools.
5. What happened in Telangana?
Beneficiaries declined from 17.91 lakh in 2021-22 to 14.49 lakh in 2025-26.
6. What are the primary class nutrition norms?
450 calories and 12 grams of protein per child per day.
