In a significant move aimed at improving the nutritional status of school children, the State Level Steering-cum-Monitoring Committee for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, now rebranded as PM POSHAN, has convened under the leadership of Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal. The committee has approved a budget of Rs 658 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25, with Rs 457.26 crore from the state and Rs 200.74 crore from the central government. This allocation underscores an increased focus on robust implementation and enhanced nutritional offerings to children across the state.
Chief Secretary Kaushal stressed the importance of giving special attention to better implementation and utilization of the PM POSHAN Scheme to ensure children receive nutritious and protein-rich food. He urged officials to study best practices from other states and implement strategies that provide children with well-rounded protein and nutritious meals, thereby promoting their overall health and well-being.
Highlighting the primary goals of the scheme, Chief Secretary Kaushal emphasized increasing enrollment and attendance, enhancing the nutritional status of primary school students, and promoting the universality of primary education. He also revealed details of the revamped menu, which includes dishes like Parantha with Curd, Nutritious Bajra Chana, and Vegetable Pulao with Khichdi, aimed at ensuring both taste and nutritional adequacy in the meals provided.
Chief Secretary Kaushal disclosed that the PM POSHAN Scheme, executed by the School Education Department, operates in a total of 14,253 schools across the state, including 8,671 primary schools and 5,582 upper primary schools. This comprehensive coverage includes playways, schools, and gardens, ensuring that a large number of children benefit from the program.
Initially, the central government had set an honorarium of Rs 1,000 for cook-cum-helpers, with Rs 600 from the central share and Rs 400 from the state’s share. However, in a significant development, the state government has revised their honorarium to Rs 7,000. This substantial increase, with the state contributing Rs 6,400 and the Centre Rs 400, underscores the government’s commitment to the well-being and welfare of workers in the mid-day meal program.
The meeting witnessed the participation of senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary of the School Education Department Sudhir Rajpal, Additional Chief Secretary of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Department Ankur Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Dr G Anupama, and Commissioner and Secretary P Amneet Kumar. Their presence signifies the collective effort and collaboration across departments to ensure the effective implementation and success of the PM POSHAN Scheme in the state.
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