Nutritional Standards under the PM POSHAN Scheme

Why in news

The article details the nutritional and food norms prescribed under the PM POSHAN Scheme, highlighting its implementation in partnership with State Governments and UT Administrations.

Exam relevance

GS2, GS3 · Governance, Society, Economy · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. Education is part of the Concurrent List of the Constitution.
2. The PM POSHAN Scheme is implemented in partnership with State Governments and UT Administrations.
3. The overall responsibility for providing hot and nutritious meals lies with the State Governments and UT Administrations.
4. The scheme covers children studying in Bal Vatika (just before class 1) and classes I to VIII of Government and Government aided schools.
5. States and UTs are encouraged to decide menus suitable to local conditions and procure locally grown food items.
6. One hot cooked meal is provided to all eligible children on all school working days.
7. The scheme's provisions align with the National Food Security Act, 2013.
8. Nutritional norms for primary classes include 450 calories and 12 gms protein per child per day.
9. Nutritional norms for upper primary classes include 700 calories and 20 gms protein per child per day.
10. Food norms for primary classes include 100 gms food-grains, 20 gms pulses, 50 gms vegetables, and 5 gms oil & fat per child per day.
11. Food norms for upper primary classes include 150 gms food-grains, 30 gms pulses, 75 gms vegetables, and 7.5 gms oil & fat per child per day.

Prelims pointers

• PM POSHAN Scheme covers children from Bal Vatika to Class VIII.
• The scheme is implemented in partnership with State Governments and UT Administrations.
• Education is a subject on the Concurrent List of the Constitution.
• The scheme provides one hot cooked meal on all school working days.
• Nutritional norms for primary classes: 450 calories, 12 gms protein.
• Nutritional norms for upper primary classes: 700 calories, 20 gms protein.
• Food norms for primary classes: 100 gms food-grains, 20 gms pulses, 50 gms vegetables, 5 gms oil & fat.
• Food norms for upper primary classes: 150 gms food-grains, 30 gms pulses, 75 gms vegetables, 7.5 gms oil & fat.
• The scheme's guidelines are aligned with the National Food Security Act, 2013.

Mains practice question

Critically analyze the role of the PM POSHAN Scheme in addressing nutritional challenges and promoting educational outcomes in India. Discuss how its implementation reflects the principles of cooperative federalism.

Static linkage

The PM POSHAN Scheme operates under the provisions of the National Food Security Act, 2013, which aims to provide food and nutritional security. Its implementation also highlights the federal structure of India, with education being a subject on the Concurrent List, requiring collaboration between the Union and State/UT administrations.

Significance

The PM POSHAN Scheme plays a crucial role in addressing nutritional deficiencies among school-going children, thereby contributing to their health and cognitive development. By providing hot cooked meals, it incentivizes school enrollment and attendance, particularly among vulnerable sections. The emphasis on local procurement supports local economies and promotes dietary diversity. Its collaborative implementation model strengthens cooperative federalism in social welfare programs.