Context:
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The Union government is considering proposals from several states and Union Territories to strengthen the PM-POSHAN scheme, India’s flagship school nutrition programme.
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Key suggestions include adding breakfast and extending scheme coverage up to Class 12, aiming to improve student health and learning outcomes.
Key Highlights:
Government Initiative / Scheme Details
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PM-POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) is a centrally sponsored scheme providing hot cooked meals to children in:
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Government schools
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Government-aided schools
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The Cabinet approved its continuation from 2021-22 to 2025-26 (September 2021).
Proposals from States and UTs
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Seven states/UTs (including Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Kerala) requested during Sept–Oct that:
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Breakfast be included under PM-POSHAN
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Eleven states/UTs suggested extending the scheme beyond Class 8 up to Class 12.
Policy and Approval Process
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The Education Ministry is examining the breakfast proposal and will place it before the:
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Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC)
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Earlier, the EFC had expressed disagreement over extending coverage during Finance Ministry discussions.
Significance of Suggested Expansion
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Extending PM-POSHAN up to Class 12 would ensure:
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Continuous nutritional support for adolescents
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Better transition from middle school to higher secondary education
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Inclusion of breakfast aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) focus on:
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Holistic student development
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Improved foundational health and learning capacity
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Stakeholders Involved
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Union Education Ministry
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State and UT governments
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Finance Ministry and EFC
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School children, especially from vulnerable backgrounds
Relevant Prelims Points:
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PM-POSHAN Scheme: Provides nutritious cooked meals to school children to address hunger and malnutrition.
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Issue: Need for enhanced nutrition support through breakfast and extended coverage.
Causes / Rationale
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Persistent child malnutrition and learning gaps
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Need for adolescent nutrition support
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Demand from states for broader inclusivity
Benefits
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Improves school attendance and retention
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Supports cognitive development and learning outcomes
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Reduces classroom hunger
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Promotes equity in education
Challenges
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Increased financial burden on Centre and states
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Logistical issues in breakfast implementation
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Coordination between multiple ministries
Impact
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Expansion could strengthen India’s human capital and reduce malnutrition among adolescents
Relevant Mains Points:
Social Justice and Governance Dimensions
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PM-POSHAN is linked with:
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Right to Education
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Food security
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Child welfare and social equity
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Institutional Framework
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EFC plays a key role in approving expenditure-heavy welfare expansions.
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Coordination required between Education and Finance ministries.
NEP Linkage
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NEP stresses nutrition as essential for:
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Student well-being
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Holistic learning outcomes
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Way Forward
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Pilot breakfast inclusion in high-need districts
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Ensure sustainable funding through Centre-state partnership
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Strengthen monitoring and quality control of meals
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Extend scheme coverage gradually with evidence-based planning
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 2: Governance – Centrally sponsored schemes, cooperative federalism
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GS 2: Social Justice – Nutrition, child welfare, education equity
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Prelims: PM-POSHAN, EFC, NEP concepts
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Mains: Role of welfare schemes in human capital development