The PM POSHAN scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, continues to play an essential role in addressing malnutrition and promoting education across India. The scheme provides hot, nutritious meals to children studying in government and government-aided schools, aiming to boost both school attendance and the nutritional standards of young learners. On Monday, the Ministry of Education shared details about the highest number of beneficiaries under the PM POSHAN scheme for the year 2024-25, revealing that states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and West Bengal are leading the way in terms of beneficiary numbers.

Bihar: Leading with the Highest Number of Beneficiaries

Bihar stands out with the highest number of beneficiaries under the PM POSHAN scheme for the year 2024-25, with a total of 1,73,38,305 beneficiaries. This includes:

• 11,426,436 children in the primary category (classes 1-5)
• 59,11,869 children in the upper primary category (classes 6-8)

Bihar’s high enrollment numbers in the scheme can be attributed to several factors, including the state’s large population and its consistent focus on school meal programs. These initiatives play a crucial role in ensuring children from lower-income backgrounds have access to essential nutrition during school hours, ultimately contributing to better academic outcomes and improved school attendance.

The state’s commitment to tackling malnutrition through these meal programs aligns with national goals, particularly in areas with high poverty rates, where access to proper nutrition is often limited.

Uttar Pradesh: A Close Second with High Enrollment

Following closely behind Bihar, Uttar Pradesh (UP) comes in second place with a total of 1,63,58,928 beneficiaries enrolled in the PM POSHAN scheme for 2024-25. This number is divided as follows:

• 10,577,090 children in the primary category
• 5,781,838 children in the upper primary category

As India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh naturally has a high enrollment in the scheme. With a significant number of children attending government and government-aided schools, the state’s involvement in providing nutritious meals to children is crucial in enhancing the health and educational prospects of its young population. The scheme serves as an important intervention to ensure that children in UP are well-nourished, which can positively influence their overall learning experience and long-term development.

West Bengal: Third in Line with Strong Program Continuity

West Bengal ranks third, with 1,13,40,496 beneficiaries under the PM POSHAN scheme for the 2024-25 period. Of this total:

• 63,10,427 children belong to the primary category
• 40,71,506 children fall under the upper primary category

The state has consistently maintained a robust school meal program over the years, ensuring that children receive adequate nutrition as part of their school routine. West Bengal’s continued focus on the success of these programs has made a significant difference in reducing malnutrition rates among schoolchildren, further fostering a conducive environment for learning.

Other States with High Enrollment

Apart from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, other states such as Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh also have notable enrollment figures in the PM POSHAN scheme:

• Maharashtra: 9,892,877 beneficiaries
• Madhya Pradesh: 6,335,928 beneficiaries

These states have continued to prioritize school meal programs, making sure that children across urban and rural areas benefit from nutritious meals. The outreach of the scheme is essential to reaching the children of low-income families, providing them with the necessary nutrition to focus on their studies.

Scope and Reach of the PM POSHAN Scheme

The PM POSHAN scheme is one of India’s largest rights-based centrally sponsored initiatives, implemented in partnership with both state and union territory (UT) governments. For the academic year 2024-25, the scheme is benefiting about 11.20 crore children studying in 10.36 lakh institutions across the country. This makes it a massive undertaking aimed at improving both the health and education standards of children across India.

The education ministry has highlighted that the scheme not only addresses malnutrition but also encourages school attendance by providing a basic right to food, which plays an important role in reducing dropout rates, especially in impoverished regions.

Implementation and Local Participation

The PM POSHAN scheme is implemented with the cooperation of state and UT administrations, and it’s designed to be locally adaptable. The scheme allows for menus to be tailored to the specific regional preferences and available food sources. This flexibility allows states to procure locally grown food items such as millets, vegetables, and condiments, often from Farmers' Producers Organisations and Federations of Women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This approach not only helps in improving the nutrition of children but also supports local economic development by encouraging the use of local produce.

Moreover, to further strengthen local involvement, the scheme encourages the use of women’s SHGs and local cook-cum-helpers to prepare and serve the meals. By doing so, the scheme empowers local women, providing them with economic opportunities and helping them contribute to their community’s well-being.

Strengthening Education and Nutrition Across India

The PM POSHAN scheme is a significant step towards ensuring that all children, particularly those in economically disadvantaged areas, receive the necessary nutrition to thrive academically. By providing nutritious, hot meals during school hours, the government has not only tackled malnutrition but has also contributed to improved school attendance and overall student health.

With states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal leading the way in enrollment numbers, the success of the scheme is a testament to the country’s commitment to providing quality education and healthcare for its children. The continued focus on local food sourcing, community participation, and empowering women will only strengthen the positive impact of the PM POSHAN scheme, making it an invaluable resource for children across India.