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PM POSHAN Scheme Strengthens Nutritional Schooling for 10.2 Crore Students in FY 2025-26
The FY 2025-26 Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme was significant in the Indian school education system, with the Ministry of Education reporting that this PM POSHAN program covered more than 10.2 crore students enrolled in more than 10.3 lakh schools. The contribution covered by this achievement, posted on the Ministry's official social media, is a significant component of the accessibility of nutrition and education for children.
As one of the largest school meal programs in the world, PM POSHAN is much more than food. It is a program that is aimed at improving children's nutritional status, encouraging the regular attendance of school children, and creating an environment conducive to learning for children enrolled in government and government-aided schools.
The Coverage of the Program
The data published covers the significant extent of the program. In FY 2025-26, over 10.2 crore students were covered by the program in a network of over 10.3 lakh schools. The program is aimed at children enrolled in Bal Vatika and Classes I to VIII. The Program is implemented by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the State Governments and the Administrations of the Union Territories. The Central Government provides support and funds the program. The State Government is responsible for the preparation and serving of the meal in the schools
Emphasis on Nutrition and Educational Outcomes
The government continues to enhance the quality of the program through updated nutritional guidelines, School Nutrition Gardens, and an increased focus on food safety, food quality, and service assessment. A recent independent assessment commissioned by NITI Aayog in 2025–26 showed that the PM POSHAN Scheme positively impacts child nutrition and improves the learning outcomes of children attending school. The findings of this assessment strengthen the position of the PM POSHAN Scheme as a nutrition and educational support program.
Advancing the Education for All Goal
The PM POSHAN Scheme, in particular, supports the nutrition-related components of the Education for All Goal in India. Nutritious meals stimulate higher rates of enrollment and attendance, especially for children from low-income families. The program reduces hunger in the classroom and helps children to learn, rather than think of their next meal. Thus, the program supports the goals of the Ministry of Education regarding inclusive education and equal learning opportunities.
Ongoing Government Support
The Union Government is placing an increased focus and support on PM POSHAN. For PM POSHAN, the Union Budget 2026–27 allocated ₹12,750 crore. The program is one of the main pillars of the school nutrition and child welfare programs in India, along with Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI Schools.
Importance of PM POSHAN
Incorporating nutrition into schooling is key to the success of education systems globally. School meal programs serve this purpose. India's PM POSHAN scheme exemplifies a large-scale public program that encompasses multiple health, social and economic benefits. Even against the backdrop of a steadily growing population, the PM POSHAN scheme has established itself as one of the largest successful public programs in the world, benefitting over 10.2 crore people in the 2025 - 2026 fiscal year.
Final Thoughts
The statement of the Minister of Education reiterates the significance of PM POSHAN within the context of advancing the goals of the Indian education system. Provision of balanced, wholesome meals to over 10.2 crore children in more than 10.3 lakh schools enables increased levels of participation in the educational process and better educational achievements and health. PM POSHAN is crucial to the educational system of the country. It will allow children to receive the basic care and nutrition to allow them the opportunity to thrive, both physically and intellectually.
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