PM POSHAN: Centre Hikes Meal Cost

On 10th April 2025, the Government of India increased the material cost by 9.5% under the centrally sponsored Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Scheme, benefitting over 11 crore school children across the country.

Key Points

Material Cost Hike: The enhanced rates will be effective from 1st May 2025 and implemented uniformly across all States and Union Territories.
Scheme Coverage: PM POSHAN provides hot cooked meals to students in Balvatika and Classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools.
Central Funding: The Central Government will bear an additional cost of Rs. 954 crore in the financial year 2025–26 due to the increased material expenditure.
Foodgrain Allocation: Around 26 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains are supplied annually under the scheme through the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
Full Cost Support: The government bears 100% of the foodgrain cost, including a subsidy of approximately Rs. 9,000 crore per year.
Logistics Covered: The transportation of foodgrains from FCI depots to schools is fully funded by the Central Government, ensuring uninterrupted supply.
Nutritional Focus: The increase is aimed at improving meal quality and combating malnutrition among school children through more nutritious food.