The Ministry of Education has detailed the nutritional and food norms implementation under the PM POSHAN Scheme, which provides hot cooked meals to children studying in Bal Vatika and classes I to VIII of Government and Government aided schools. The scheme is implemented in partnership with State Governments and Union Territory Administrations, who bear overall responsibility for meal provision.
Nutritional norms mandate 450 calories and 12 grams of protein per day for primary class children, while upper primary children receive 700 calories and 20 grams of protein. Food quantity norms specify 100 grams of food-grains, 20 grams of pulses, 50 grams of vegetables, and 5 grams of oil & fat for primary students, with upper primary students receiving 150 grams of food-grains, 30 grams of pulses, 75 grams of vegetables, and 7.5 grams of oil & fat. Salt and condiments are provided as needed.
States and UTs are encouraged to design menus suitable to local conditions using locally grown food items including millets, vegetables, and condiments. The scheme includes a flexi component of 5% of the total recurring budget for setting up School Nutrition Gardens and providing supplementary nutrition interventions in identified districts. Many states already provide additional supplementary nutrition based on local food habits, cultural preferences, availability, and dietary practices.
The information was formally presented by the Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on August 3, 2026.