Nutrition Equivalence in PM POSHAN Substitutions - 3rd August 2026 - Ministry of Education - Gazette Notification PDF

Executive Summary This report outlines the nutritional and food norms under the PM POSHAN Scheme as presented to the Lok Sabha on August 3, 2026. It details the implementation partnership between the Central Government and State/UT Administrations to provide hot cooked meals to students in Bal Vatika through Class VIII. Key provisions include specific daily calorie and protein targets, as well as a 5% flexible budget allocation for localized nutritional interventions.

Key Points / Main Content

Implementation and Responsibility

• The PM POSHAN Scheme is a joint effort between the Central Government and State/UT Administrations, as Education is on the Concurrent List.
• State Governments and UT Administrations are primarily responsible for providing hot, nutritious meals to children in Bal Vatika and classes I to VIII in Government and Government-aided schools.
• States have the autonomy to design menus based on local conditions and are encouraged to procure local items such as millets, vegetables, and condiments.

Nutritional and Food Norms per Child per Day

• Nutritional Targets:
  • Primary Classes: 450 calories and 12 grams of protein.
  • Upper Primary Classes: 700 calories and 20 grams of protein.
• Food Quantum (Primary / Upper Primary):
  • Food-grains: 100g / 150g.
  • Pulses: 20g / 30g.
  • Vegetables: 50g / 75g.
  • Oil & Fat: 5g / 7.5g.
  • Salt & Condiments: Provided as per need for both levels.

Budgetary Flexibility and Local Initiatives

• A provision of 5% of the total recurring budget is designated as a "flexi component."
• This flexible fund is intended for setting up School Nutrition Gardens (SNGs) and providing supplementary nutrition in identified districts.
• States may provide additional nutrition based on local food habits, cultural preferences, and dietary practices.

Impact Analysis

State Governments and UT Administrations Impact They bear the operational responsibility for meal delivery and have the authority to customize menus and procurement. Action Required Must implement the scheme in partnership with the Centre, manage procurement of local food items, and utilize the 5% flexi-budget to establish School Nutrition Gardens and supplementary interventions.

Eligible School Children (Bal Vatika to Class VIII) Impact Children in Government and Government-aided schools receive one hot cooked meal on all school working days to meet specific nutritional benchmarks. Action Required N/A (Beneficiaries of the scheme).

Ministry of Education / Central Government Impact Provides the overarching framework, guidelines, and budgetary support under the National Food Security Act, 2013. Action Required Continue monitoring the implementation of the scheme and ensuring adherence to prescribed nutritional and food norms.