The school nutrition program in India, currently known as PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman), is a significant, centrally sponsored scheme designed to enhance children's nutritional status and support education. It has evolved from earlier initiatives and the nationwide Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme. This article explores its background, objectives, nutritional standards, and impact.
Historical Evolution of India's School Feeding Program
The origins of school feeding in India date back to 1925 in Madras. The program later became a national effort:
- 1995: Started as the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE) with dry rations for primary students.
- 2001: Changed to provide cooked meals in all government primary schools after a Supreme Court order.
- 2007-08: Expanded to include upper primary students (Classes VI-VIII).
- 2021: Renamed PM POSHAN, focusing on holistic nutrition and wider integration.
Transition from MDM to PM POSHAN
The shift to PM POSHAN aimed for a more comprehensive approach to nourishment (poshan) and integration with programs like Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Coverage also expanded to include pre-primary students in Balvatikas.
PM POSHAN: Key Objectives and Components
PM POSHAN seeks to enhance the nutritional status, enrollment, retention, and attendance of school children. Key aspects include:
- Hot Cooked Meals: Provided without charge on all school days to eligible children.
- Nutritional Standards: Mandated calorie and protein requirements per child per school day, with specified quantities of food items.
- Summer Vacation Support: Nutritional support is also provided during summer vacations in drought/disaster areas.
- Social Equity: Encourages children from all backgrounds to share meals, reducing social barriers.
- Women's Empowerment: Creates employment for women from disadvantaged communities as cook-cum-helpers.
A Comparative Look: Primary vs. Upper Primary Norms
Nutritional requirements under PM POSHAN differ by student level. The table outlines the per-child daily norms:
| Nutritional Component | Primary (Classes I-V) | Upper Primary (Classes VI-VIII) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 450 calories | 700 calories |
| Protein | 12 grams | 20 grams |
| Food Grains | 100 grams | 150 grams |
| Pulses | 20 grams | 30 grams |
| Vegetables | 50 grams | 75 grams |
| Oil & Fat | 5 grams | 7.5 grams |
Challenges and Monitoring Mechanisms
The program faces challenges like maintaining food quality and hygiene, supply delays, and administrative issues. Monitoring includes:
- Automated Monitoring System (AMS): Uses IVRS, SMS, and apps for real-time daily data collection from schools.
- Community Participation: Encourages social audits and involvement of mothers' groups, School Management Committees (SMCs), and local communities.
- POSHAN Tracker: A mobile app for frontline workers to track beneficiaries and services.
- Fortification: Promotes fortification of food items like salt and oil to address micronutrient deficiencies.
Impact on Student Health and Learning
The program has well-documented positive outcomes. It reduces classroom hunger, improving focus and academic performance. It has also reduced malnutrition and increased school enrollment and attendance, particularly for girls and marginalized children. By providing a regular, nutritious meal, it incentivizes school attendance, helping break the cycle of poverty and poor health. For more information, the official PM POSHAN website is a resource.
Conclusion
India's school nutrition program has evolved significantly into a comprehensive child development approach. While challenges in implementation and quality persist, the shift to PM POSHAN and the use of technology and community oversight are improving the system. The program is a vital investment in the health, well-being, and education of millions of Indian children, fostering a more equitable and food-secure society.
