Government Revamps School Meals to Boost Student Health and Nutrition

The Ministry of Education, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has launched a revamped Midday Meal Scheme, now rebranded as the PM Poshan 2.0 initiative. Under the new framework, school meals will include fortified grains, seasonal fruits, and locally sourced vegetables, aiming to meet daily nutrition requirements for children aged 6 14. The changes come after a nationwide health audit found that nearly 40% of schoolchildren in government institutions were either underweight or showed signs of micronutrient deficiencies. State governments will also receive additional funds to upgrade kitchen infrastructure and introduce weekly nutrition monitoring. Dieticians and school health coordinators will help customize menus based on regional diets. Parents and teachers can now access meal plans through a dedicated mobile app. Experts have lauded the move, especially for its potential to curb classroom hunger and improve academic performance. Implementation will be reviewed quarterly by a national task force.