What this scheme offers
PM POSHAN provides one hot, nutritious cooked meal on every school working day, to children from Bal Vatika (pre-primary) through Class 8, in government and government-aided schools, special training centres, and madrasas/maqtabs supported under Samagra Shiksha. Meals follow fixed nutrition norms: at least 450 calories and 12g protein for primary-level children, rising to 700 calories and 20g protein for upper-primary students. Many states enhance the basic menu with eggs, milk, millets or fortified rice, and some schools now run "Nutri-Gardens" to supply fresh vegetables. The scheme's core goals are reducing classroom hunger, boosting school enrolment and attendance, and cutting drop-out rates, especially among low-income families.
Who is eligible
- Any child enrolled in Bal Vatika (pre-primary) through Class 8 in a government or government-aided school, special training centre, madrasa or maqtab under Samagra Shiksha.
- Coverage is automatic through school enrolment — no separate application or income test is needed.
- Children in private unaided schools are not covered under this central scheme.
How it works (no application needed)
- Enrol your child in an eligible government or government-aided school.
- The school (or a self-help group/community kitchen contracted by the state) prepares and serves the meal on every school working day.
- No paperwork, registration or fee is required from parents — coverage is automatic through school attendance.
- If your school isn't serving meals as expected, you can raise it with the school management committee or the district education office.