Ladakh Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal presided over an essential meeting of the UT-level Steering cum Monitoring Committee on Tuesday to examine the PM POSHAN scheme‘s execution for the fiscal year 2025-2026. The conference, which took place in the Leh Civil Secretariat, was centered on evaluating the program’s success, going over budgetary allotments and making sure it was carried out efficiently in order to improve the nutritional support provided to schools throughout Ladakh. The Indian government has authorized a 9.5% increase in material costs, which would result in an additional government expenditure of Rs.954 crore for the fiscal year 2025-2026 under the PM POSHAN scheme. This increase will take effect on 1 May 2025.
PM POSHAN Scheme 2025-26
The Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education & Literacy is the principal sponsor of PM POSHAN Scheme. Children enrolled in government and government-aided schools will get one hot cooked lunch under this program. A UT level Steering cum Monitoring Committee meeting was presided over by Dr. Pawan Kotwal, the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh to examine the implementation plans of the PM POSHAN scheme under the School Education Department for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
The School Education Department’s Administrative Secretary gave a thorough presentation that covered major achievements such as the number of children covered by the program, the suggested budget for the upcoming fiscal year and the Tithi Bhojan Program’s success, which saw 8,705 students receive meals from community members.
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This covers students in classes I through VIII as well as those in pre-school or Bal Vatika (prior to class I) in elementary schools. All eligible children are welcome to participate in the program, regardless of their gender or socioeconomic status. To ensure quality requirements were met, 546 chefs and assistants received training and meals served in 72 schools were evaluated. Dr. Kotwal emphasized how crucial interdepartmental collaboration is to guarantee the timely delivery of wholesome meals and promoting the general development of students.
Objective of PM POSHAN Scheme 2025-26
The main objective of this PM POSHAN scheme is to combat hunger and enhance school children’s nutritional status while also encouraging attendance and general academic success.
Overview of PM POSHAN Scheme 2025-26
| Name of the scheme | PM POSHAN Scheme 2025-26 |
| Launched by | Ministry of Education’s Department of School Education & Literacy |
| Beneficiaries | Children |
| Objective | To provide hunger and improve the nutritional status of children in schools |
| Official website | https://pmposhan.education.gov.in/ |
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must live in Ladakh
- Eligible children are those enrolled in government and government aided elementary schools at the Bal Vatika (pre-primary) level.
- Eligible children are those enrolled in Government and Government aided schools in grades I through VIII.
- All eligible children, regardless of gender or socioeconomic status are eligible for the scheme.
Benefits
- The scheme feeds children a healthy lunch, correcting any potential deficits and encouraging normal development.
- A hot, wholesome supper might encourage children, especially those from underprivileged homes to go to school more frequently.
- The scheme helps guarantee that kids receive the nutritional assistance they require to study and focus efficiently as adequate nourishment is essential for cognitive development.
- The scheme encourages the use of locally sourced products which makes it more culturally appropriate and sustainable for Ladakh.
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Offline Application Process of PM POSHAN Scheme
- This PM POSHAN scheme does not have an application process. Every student enrolled in government and government-aided schools is equally eligible for PM POSHAN.
FAQs
What is the PM POSHAN Scheme?
India’s premier nutrition program, Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN), addresses malnutrition and serves children’s delicious, prepared meals with the help of Anganwadi centers.
What is the main objective of this PM POSHAN scheme?
In order to prevent malnutrition, enhance educational results and guarantee children’s overall development, fortified meals, health examinations and nutrition education are needed.
How does it integrate with existing schemes?
combines the Mid-Day Meal Scheme with ICDS using digital tracking (POSHAN Tracker) to monitor recipients in real time.