The PM Poshan Shakti Nirman Abhiyaan (also referred to as the National Scheme for PM Poshan Shakti Nirman) is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at improving nutritional levels for schoolchildren. The scheme replaces the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and focuses on providing nutritional support to children in government and government-aided schools across the country.
Here’s an overview of the eligibility, application process, and whether it can be done online or offline:
1. Beneficiaries:
Schoolchildren studying in government and government-aided schools.
Children from Class 1 to Class 8 in schools, across both urban and rural areas.
The scheme primarily targets children from underprivileged families who might not have access to nutritious meals at home.
Special focus is given to children in schools located in remote, tribal, and backward regions.
2. Age Criteria:
The scheme targets schoolchildren within the age group of 6 to 14 years who fall under the jurisdiction of the scheme.
3. Schools Eligible:
Government and government-aided schools.
Special focus is placed on schools in rural, backward, and tribal areas.
The program also covers anganwadis (pre-school children) in certain cases.
4. Nutritional Focus:
The aim is to ensure that each child gets adequate nutrition through cooked meals during school hours, enhancing their health and educational outcomes.
Online Process:
1. Visit the Official Portal:
The PM Poshan Shakti Nirman Abhiyaan has an official government portal (often managed by the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Women and Child Development).
Schools or educational authorities can visit this portal to register for the scheme, submit required documents, and request funds for the meal program.
2. School Registration:
Schools that wish to participate in the scheme must register on the official platform. This registration typically involves submitting detailed information about the school, such as:
Name of the school
Location
Number of students enrolled
Nutritional requirements
Infrastructure details (kitchen, storage, etc.)
3. Nutritional and Menu Details:
Schools may need to upload the menu and food plan that will be served to students. This includes details about the nutritional content and variety of the meals.
4. Document Submission:
Schools need to submit various documents for approval, including:
Registration number of the school.
Approval from local educational authorities.
Details about the number of beneficiaries.
Infrastructure certifications (for example, kitchen infrastructure, if applicable).
5. Approval and Fund Disbursement:
After submitting all necessary details, the concerned authorities (such as the Ministry of Education) will verify the application. Upon approval, funds will be allocated for the meal distribution in schools.
Schools will receive periodic allocations for the meals as per the scheme’s guidelines.
6. Tracking and Reporting:
The portal allows schools to report the number of children served, nutritional outcomes, and other progress metrics. Regular updates will help improve the monitoring of the scheme.
Offline Process:
1. Visit the District Educational Office or State Education Department:
Schools that are not able to access the online platform can approach the district educational officer or the State Education Department for assistance.
2. Submit Application for Enrollment:
Schools need to fill out the application form for enrolling in the PM Poshan Shakti Nirman Abhiyaan.
The form generally asks for basic details about the school, infrastructure, and the number of children enrolled.
3. Submit Required Documents:
Schools need to submit documents similar to the online process, including the school registration certificate, infrastructure details, and school population.
4. Government Verification:
The state or district educational authorities will verify the school’s application, and if the application is approved, it will be sent for funding.
5. Food Preparation and Distribution:
After approval, local authorities will coordinate the logistics of meal preparation and distribution based on the guidelines provided under the scheme.
Schools will receive funding to procure ingredients for meal preparation or to pay for the meals prepared in a central kitchen, depending on the structure of the local administration.
1. Nutritional Content:
The meals provided under the scheme are carefully designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing children. This includes proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and essential minerals.
2. Special Provisions:
The scheme includes provisions for supplementary nutrition for children in schools, especially in areas with high malnutrition rates.
There are specific focus areas for children with disabilities or special needs.
3. Monitoring:
The scheme encourages community participation in monitoring the quality and quantity of food served. Schools and local bodies are expected to maintain transparent reporting mechanisms.
Periodic assessments and audits ensure that the nutritional goals are met.
4. Flexibility:
The menu for school meals is flexible and can vary according to regional dietary preferences and requirements. This ensures the meal is culturally appropriate and enjoyable.
To apply for the PM Poshan Shakti Nirman Abhiyaan, government and government-aided schools should either apply through the online portal (if accessible) or contact local educational authorities for offline registration. The scheme aims to provide much-needed nutritional support to children in educational institutions across India, enhancing both their health and educational outcomes.
Queries:
· PM Poshan Shakti Nirman Abhiyaan
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· Mid Day Meal Scheme 2025
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· PM Poshan school meal scheme
· PM Poshan Abhiyaan registration
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· Government nutrition scheme for school children
· PM Poshan Shakti Nirman guidelines
· PM Poshan scheme eligibility
· Mid Day Meal Scheme renamed
· Poshan Abhiyaan for students
· Free school meals India
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· Hot cooked meals in government schools
· What is PM Poshan Shakti Nirman Abhiyaan?
· How to apply for PM Poshan Scheme in schools
· PM Poshan Yojana benefits for children
· Difference between PM Poshan and Mid Day Meal Scheme
· Implementation strategy of PM Poshan in rural areas
· Nutritional standards under PM Poshan Abhiyaan
· Funding pattern of PM Poshan Scheme
· State-wise status of PM Poshan implementation