Centre’s Additional Allocation under PM POSHAN Scheme

On 9th December 2024, the Centre announced an additional allocation of Rs 425.62 crore for FY 2024-25 to address inflation in food material costs under the PM POSHAN Scheme.

Key Points

Revised Material Costs: Effective December 1, the cost per meal is increased to Rs 6.19 for Balvatika and primary classes, and Rs 9.29 for upper primary classes, reflecting inflation indices for FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24.
Nutritional Entitlements: Balvatika and primary students receive 20g pulses, 50g vegetables, and 5g oil per meal; upper primary students receive 30g pulses, 50g vegetables, and 7g oil.
CPI-RL Basis for Rates: The Consumer Price Index for Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) is used to adjust rates, calculated from price data collected across 600 villages in 20 States.
State Contributions: While the Centre sets minimum rates, States and UTs may contribute additional funds for enhanced nutrition.
Foodgrain Subsidy: The Centre covers 100% of foodgrain and transportation costs under the scheme, amounting to Rs 9,000 crore annually. Per meal costs are Rs 11.54 for primary and Rs 16.74 for upper primary students.