Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.
| Scheme | PM POSHAN (earlier the National Programme of Mid Day Meal in Schools) |
|---|---|
| Ministry | Ministry of Education, Govt of India |
| Benefit | One free cooked hot meal on every school working day |
| Who can get it | Children in government, government-aided and local body schools, and balvatika or pre-primary classes |
| How it is given | Served at school through the state or union territory administration and its food agencies |
| Apply at | No application needed. Enrol the child in a government or aided school |
| Cost to parents | Free |
Key points
- The meal is free for children in government and aided schools.
- It covers elementary classes and balvatika or pre-primary students.
- No application form is needed. Admission in the school is enough.
- Parents can report poor food or hygiene to the school or the district office.
So what exactly does a child get?
Every eligible child gets one freshly cooked hot meal on each school working day.
The meal must give set minimum nutrition. Children in nursery and primary classes get at least 450 calories and 12 grams of protein.
Upper primary and senior classes get at least 700 calories and 20 grams of protein.
Menus rotate between wheat-based and rice-based dishes through the week. Dal, vegetables, khichdi, chhole and similar dishes are common.
Amounts and menus can change with new guidelines. Parents should confirm the latest details on the official site or with the school.
Who gets the meal, and who does not?
The meal is for children studying in government schools, government-aided schools and local body run schools.
Balvatika and pre-primary classes attached to these schools are also included.
Children in private unaided schools are not covered by this scheme.
A child gets the meal simply by being enrolled and attending school on a working day.
Why was the scheme started, and what has changed?
The mid-day meal idea began in the 1920s and 1960s in some states. The central programme started in 1995.
It was made a legal entitlement under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
In 2021 the Union Cabinet approved PM POSHAN for 2021-22 to 2025-26, with a large central and state budget.
The scheme now also covers balvatika students, and it allows Tithi Bhojan, school nutrition gardens and women self help groups to take part.
What should parents keep ready?
You will need the child's school admission record and the child's enrolment in the school.
Keep the school's contact details and your child's Aadhaar, if the school asks for it.
No separate paperwork is needed to start getting the meal.
How do you get the meal, step by step?
First, get your child admitted to a government, aided or local body school.
Once enrolled, the school includes your child in the meal list for that class.
Meals are served on school working days. Ask the class teacher or head teacher if your child is not getting the meal.
- 1Get admitted to a covered schoolAdmit your child to a government, government-aided or local body run school.
- 2School adds child to meal listOnce enrolled, the school includes your child in the meal list for that class.
- 3Eat on school working daysMeals are served on working days. Ask the class teacher or head teacher if your child misses out.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
What if the food is poor or the meal is missed?
Talk to the class teacher or head teacher first. Schools must keep records of meal quality and attendance.
You can also raise the issue with the block or district education office.
If food is unsafe or someone gets sick, inform the school and the health department immediately.
Never pay anyone to get your child a meal. The meal is free.
Where can you get help?
Use the official PM POSHAN portal at pmposhan.education.gov.in for guidelines and information.
Your school head teacher and block or district education office are the first points of contact.
Be careful of anyone asking for money in the name of the scheme. Report such calls to the school or local police.
Frequently asked questions
Does the meal cost anything?
No. The meal is free for eligible children in covered schools.
Do I need to apply separately?
No separate application is needed. Admission in a covered school is enough.
Are meals served during school holidays?
No. Meals are served on school working days only.
Can a child in a private school get the meal?
No. Private unaided schools are not covered by this scheme.
Where can I check the latest guidelines?
Visit pmposhan.education.gov.in or ask your school head teacher.
Official links
This guide is based on official scheme rules. Rules and amounts can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply. News Anek is not a government website.
