The government has increased the material cost for cooking hot meals in schools under the PM-POSHAN scheme by 9.5%, considering inflation.
This hike will cost the government an additional ₹954 crore in the financial year 2025–26.
From May 1, the daily cooking cost per student will go up from ₹6.19 to ₹6.78 in Bal Vatikas and primary schools, and from ₹9.29 to ₹10.17 in upper primary schools.
These are minimum rates, and States/UTs can contribute more if they wish, as some already do to enhance nutrition.
Meal portions include:
Bal Vatika and primary students: 20 gm pulses, 50 gm vegetables, 5 gm oil
Upper primary students: 30 gm pulses, 75 gm vegetables, 7.5 gm oil
The scheme provides one hot meal daily to 11.2 crore students from Bal Vatikas to Class 8 in 10.36 lakh government and aided schools.
It aims to improve student nutrition and encourage school attendance.
The Centre supplies 26 lakh tonnes of foodgrains via Food Corporation of India (FCI).
The Centre bears 100% of foodgrain and transportation costs, which includes a ₹9,000 crore annual subsidy.
The total per-meal cost is now estimated at ₹12.13 for Bal Vatika/primary and ₹17.62 for upper primary students.
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