Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM POSHAN)

In Context

• In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, the Minister of State for Education informed that the Mid-day meal (PM POSHAN) will include millets (coarse grains). 

About

• Flagging “critical” levels of malnutrition and anaemia among children, the Union Government has urged the states to explore the possibility of introducing millets in the mid-day meal scheme, now known as PM Poshan. 
• Millets or nutri-cereals, which include Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi, are rich in minerals and B-complex vitamins, as well as proteins and antioxidants, making them an ideal choice for improving the nutritional outcome of children. 

Mid Day Meal Scheme (PM Poshan)

• History: Similar initiative in Madras (1925), in Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry (by mid 1980s) & in around twelve states by 1990-91.
• Officially launched in 1995 to provide children in government schools with a free cooked meal with a minimum energy content of 450 kcal & 12 gm of protein for primary (I-V) & 700 calories & 20 gm protein for upper primary (VI-VIII).
• Centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Education.
• Aims: Avoid classroom hunger, increase school enrolment, school attendance & socialisation, address malnutrition & empower women by employment,
• AGMARK quality items are procured for meals & 3 adult members first need to taste it.
• Covers all government & aided schools, madarsa & maqtabs supported under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.

Source: IT