AI SummaryDoodh Sanjeevani Yojana provides fortified, flavored and double toned pasteurized milk to students in elementary schools, as well as to pregnant and lactating women at Anganwadi centers in Gujarat. Gujarat government has expanded this scheme in 2026 to cover all tribal ICDS blocks in the state so that more children and mothers get the nutrition they need.
Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana - Introduction
Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana is a nutritional support program launched by the government of Gujarat to improve the health of students, pregnant women and lactating mothers. The scheme was first started on a pilot basis on 24 December 2009 in six tribal districts. Over the years it has grown from 6 to 20 districts, and the cooperative dairy network now supplies the fortified milk.
In July 2026, the Women and Child Development Department approved a major expansion of the scheme to the remaining 53 ICDS blocks in tribal districts. With this decision, Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana now covers all ICDS blocks in the tribal areas of Gujarat. The department has also approved a pilot project to provide higher-fat milk to beneficiaries.
Anganwadi centers and child development project officers implement this scheme locally to make sure eligible people receive these essential nutrients regularly. Cooperative dairies such as Banas, Amul, Sumul and Maahi handle the production and supply of the fortified milk.
Key Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary States | Gujarat |
| Nodal Department | Education Department and Women and Child Development Department |
| Benefit Type | In Kind |
| DBT Scheme | Yes (from 2026) |
Benefits
For students, Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana provides nutritious support to help them stay healthy. Each student receives 200 milliliters of flavored milk five days a week. This milk is fortified with 3% fat, 24 grams carbohydrate, 7 grams protein, 500 International Units of Vitamin A and 40 International Units of Vitamin D.
For children aged 6 months to 6 years registered at Anganwadi centers, the scheme provides 100 milliliters of fortified, flavored, double toned pasteurized milk, five days a week. Pregnant and lactating mothers registered at the same centers receive 200 milliliters of this fortified milk twice a week.
Under the 2026 expansion, the fat content of the milk has been improved. Until now beneficiaries received fortified milk with 1.5% fat. In the new pilot, 3% fat milk will be provided in Narmada, Dahod and Dang, while 4.5% fat milk will be provided in Valsad and Sabarkantha. Higher fat content is expected to support children's physical development and energy needs.
Eligibility
To benefit from Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana, you should meet the following criteria:
For Students:
- You should be a student in a government, grant-in-aid or primary school.
- You should be studying in Balvatika or from standard 1st to 8th.
- Your school should be located in one of the tribal talukas of Gujarat covered under the scheme.
For Women and Children:
- Children should be aged between 6 months and 6 years and registered at an Anganwadi center.
- Pregnant or lactating mothers should be registered at an Anganwadi center in a covered ICDS block.
Application Process
You do not need to fill out a separate application form to join Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana. Since this is an institutional distribution program, beneficiaries receive the fortified milk directly at their school or Anganwadi center once they meet the eligibility criteria. For implementation questions, students should speak with their school administration, while mothers should contact their local Anganwadi worker for details on the beneficiary list.
From 2026, all scheme processes are being digitised. Procurement is carried out through the GeM portal, financial support is paid through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, and social audits and third-party verification are done regularly to keep the process clear and effective.
Documents
Since the benefits of Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana are provided directly at school or Anganwadi premises, you do not need to submit any specific documents. The authorities verify eligibility through existing school or Anganwadi registration records.
References
Scheme Details (Tribal Development Department) | Scheme Details (Commissionerate of Tribal Development) | Scheme Guidelines (Education Department) | Scheme Details (PM-POSHAN) | Expansion News (ANI)
FAQ's
Can children attending government or grant-in-aid schools in specific tribal regions receive fortified milk?
Yes. Students enrolled in these specific schools in the tribal talukas of Gujarat receive 200 milliliters of flavored fortified milk daily, five days per week.
What is the frequency of milk distribution for nursing mothers at childcare centers?
Pregnant and lactating mothers who are registered at Anganwadi centers receive 200 milliliters of milk twice a week.
Are children between six months and six years eligible?
Yes. Children in this age group who are registered at Anganwadi centers receive 100 milliliters of fortified milk five days per week.
Do I need to submit formal documents?
No. You do not need to submit any paperwork, as the facility provides the milk directly to eligible students and mothers at their registered centers.
What nutritional components are added to the milk?
The milk is fortified with 3% added fat, 24 grams carbohydrate, 7 grams protein, 500 International Units of Vitamin A and 40 International Units of Vitamin D.
What changed in the 2026 expansion?
In July 2026 the scheme was extended to the remaining 53 ICDS blocks in tribal districts, so it now covers all tribal ICDS blocks. A pilot also provides higher-fat milk of 3% in Narmada, Dahod and Dang and 4.5% in Valsad and Sabarkantha, with about Rs 37.7 crore allocated for the expansion.
Do I need to apply separately for this scheme?
No. There is no separate application process; all eligible individuals registered at the participating schools or Anganwadi centers automatically receive the benefits.