The Government of India has approved a revision in the cooking cost for school meals provided under the PM Poshan Scheme (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme). The change, effective from 1 May 2025, aims to adjust for rising food and fuel prices and to ensure continued nutritional quality in meals served to children across government and aided schools.
Key Highlights
- The cooking cost has been increased by 9.5% across all States and Union Territories.
New daily per-student rates:
- Bal Vatika & Primary classes: ₹6.78 (previously ₹6.19)
- Upper Primary classes: ₹10.17 (previously ₹9.29)
- The Central Government will bear the additional expenditure of about ₹954 crore for FY 2025–26.
- The revision covers expenses for pulses, vegetables, cooking oil, condiments, and fuel — ensuring schools can maintain meal quality despite inflation.
- The cost of food grains continues to be separately borne by the Central Government.
Impact
This revision strengthens the government’s commitment to child nutrition and education. By updating the cooking cost, the scheme ensures that over 11 crore students receive adequate, nutritious, and freshly prepared meals each school day, supporting better learning outcomes and health standards.
Conclusion
The increase in cooking costs under the PM Poshan Scheme is a timely intervention to safeguard meal quality amid rising prices. It reflects the government’s focus on child welfare, educational equity, and food security — ensuring that every child continues to benefit from hot, wholesome, and nutritious school meals.
FAQs
1. What is the new cooking cost under PM Poshan?
Ans: ₹6.78 per child per day for Primary and ₹10.17 for Upper Primary classes.
2. From when are the new rates effective?
Ans: The revised rates are applicable from 1 May 2025.
3. Why was the revision necessary?
Ans: To counter inflation in food and fuel prices and maintain the nutritional value of school meals.
4. Who will bear the increased expenditure?
Ans: The Central Government will bear the additional financial burden of approximately ₹954 crore for 2025–26.
5. Does this include the cost of food grains?
Ans: No, food grains are provided separately by the Central Government and are not included in the revised cooking cost.
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