Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Breakfast Provision Extension to PM-Poshan Scheme Praised
Some states want to add breakfast to the school lunch program called PM-Poshan.
They think hungry kids can't learn as well, so giving them a morning meal will help them pay attention in class and go to school more often.
Tamil Nadu already has a breakfast program that seems to be working well.
The government thinks this idea is good and will help kids learn better, even though it will cost extra money each year.
They believe the benefits of kids learning more will be worth the cost.
Several states and Union Territories propose adding breakfast to the PM-Poshan midday-meal scheme.
Proponents argue breakfast improves children's learning, attendance, and attention in schools.
Tamil Nadu's existing breakfast program has shown improvements in attendance and health outcomes.
The Union government estimates a nationwide breakfast rollout would cost approximately Rs 6,000 crore annually.
This proposal seeks to align national educational policy with the nutritional needs of students.
- Who
- Several states and Union Territories, including Rajasthan, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Lakshadweep, Gujarat, and Delhi
- What
- Proposal to extend the PM-Poshan midday-meal scheme to include breakfast provisions in government and government-aided schools.
- When
- The proposal is timely; a similar one was rejected in 2021-22.
- Where
- Government and government-aided schools across India.
- Why
- To align national policy with nutritional and educational realities, recognizing that nourished children learn better, boosting attendance, attention, and equity.
- Proposing States/UTs
- Rajasthan, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Lakshadweep, Gujarat, Delhi
- Previous Rejection Year
- 2021-22
- Tamil Nadu Breakfast Program Launch
- 2022
- Estimated Annual Cost (Nationwide)
- Rs 6,000 crore