Centre deliberates on suggestions by states, UTs on PM-POSHAN, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Seven states and UTs including Delhi, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala, requested the Centre to include breakfast in the PM-POSHAN scheme in September-October.
• The Education Ministry is considering including breakfast as part of the scheme and will propose it to the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC).
• Eleven states/UTs suggested extending the scheme beyond Class 8 up to Class 12, to ensure nutritional food for all students.
• The Cabinet approved the continuation of the PM-POSHAN scheme from 2021-22 to 2025-26 in September 2021.

Detailed Insights:

• The suggestions from states/UTs were in response to the Education Ministry's request for improvements and modifications to the scheme for its continuation beyond 2025-26.
• Extending the scheme beyond Class 8 aims to provide continuous nutritional support to students transitioning to higher classes.
• The proposal to include breakfast aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), emphasizing holistic student development.
• The EFC had previously disagreed with extending the scheme's coverage during discussions with the Finance Ministry.

Key Concepts Involved:

• PM-POSHAN: A centrally sponsored scheme to provide hot cooked meals to children in government and government-aided schools.
• Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC): A committee that reviews and approves government expenditure proposals.
• National Education Policy (NEP): A comprehensive framework to transform the education system in India.