AI SummaryMid Day Meals Scheme gives hot cooked meals to students studying in government and government-aided schools in Arunachal Pradesh. The scheme makes sure children get a wholesome meal on school days, which cuts down classroom hunger and supports their physical and cognitive growth while keeping attendance high.
Today this scheme is officially known as Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN), the name used by the Ministry of Education since 2021. It is run jointly by the central and state governments and remains open for eligible students across the state through the 2026-27 year.
Mid Day Meals Scheme (PM POSHAN)
PM POSHAN is a big welfare effort by the government to deal with hunger, malnutrition, and low enrollment among school children. It provides a free hot cooked meal to children in primary and upper primary schools, and now also covers Bal Vatika pre-primary children within these schools.
By serving nutritious meals every school day, the scheme helps children focus on their studies without an empty stomach. It improves the health of students and at the same time encourages parents to send their children to school regularly, since education stays a top priority for every family.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Mid Day Meals Scheme (PM POSHAN) |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary | Individuals |
| State | Arunachal Pradesh |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Type of Benefit | Nutritional support in the form of free hot cooked meals |
| Nodal Department | Education Department |
| Coverage | Classes 1 to 8 plus Bal Vatika |
| Budget 2026-27 | Rs 12,750 crore (national) |
Benefits
Mid Day Meals Scheme offers many advantages to students and their families, especially in a state like Arunachal Pradesh where many children travel far to reach school.
- Improves physical and mental development through daily nutritious food, with a minimum of 450 calories for primary children and 700 calories for upper primary children.
- Raises school attendance and helps keep students in the education system, which cuts dropout rates in remote areas.
- Deals with malnutrition among school-going children, and fortified rice is now used in meals to reduce anaemia.
- Improves classroom concentration and learning outcomes, as students can study without feeling hungry.
- Encourages social equality by giving the same nutritious meal to every child, whatever the family background.
- Lowers the daily money burden on poor families who no longer need to arrange a midday meal.
- Supports local employment by using cooks and helpers from the local community for meal preparation.
Eligibility
To get the benefit of Mid Day Meals Scheme, students must meet the conditions set by the education department. The details below explain who can receive the meal.
- Enrollment: A student must be enrolled in a government or government-aided school, from Bal Vatika up to class 8.
- School recognition: The school must be approved by the state education authority as per government rules.
- Attendance: The student should attend school regularly, since the meal is served during typical school hours.
- Priority groups: Priority is given to children from poor families and economically weaker sections, though the meal is provided to all eligible students in these schools.
Exclusions
The scheme does not cover students outside the government system. Children attending private schools that are not part of the government-aided program do not get this meal. Children studying in secondary and higher education institutions beyond class 8 are also not covered under the current frame of this scheme.
Regions or schools that already receive a different nutritional or meal support program are generally excluded from a second meal benefit, so every eligible child gets support through a single clear route.
Application Process
Parents do not need a complex online application for this scheme, because the meal is arranged through the school itself. The steps below explain what happens once a child is enrolled.
STEP 1 - First, parents or guardians should visit the school where the child is enrolled and complete the registration formalities with the school administration. This is usually done at the time of admission.
STEP 2 - Next, school staff check the child's eligibility, including age, class, and school enrollment status, and enter the details in the school meal register.
STEP 3 - After the check, the school confirms the child in the mid day meal records, and the child is added to the daily meal list.
STEP 4 - The student must then attend school on a regular basis, because the meal is served only on school days to children who are present.
STEP 5 - Finally, the hot cooked meal is served at the school premises during the fixed lunch break, and schools report daily data through the official PM POSHAN portal.
Documents
These documents are usually enough for the school verification process, and parents should keep them ready while completing the admission formalities.
- Birth certificate or age proof of the student.
- Aadhaar card or another government-approved identity proof.
- Official school enrollment certificate or school ID card.
- Bank account details only if asked for a specific direct benefit transfer.
References
FAQ's
Who is eligible to receive meals under Mid Day Meals Scheme?
Children enrolled in government and government-aided schools from Bal Vatika up to class 8 are eligible for the scheme in Arunachal Pradesh.
Are the meals provided free?
Yes, all meals under this scheme are completely free for eligible students, and the cost is shared by the central and state governments.
What is the main objective of the scheme?
The main aim is to improve the nutrition of school children and keep them in school by serving a free, healthy hot meal every school day.
Has the scheme name changed?
Yes, the Ministry of Education now calls the scheme Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN), though many people still call it the Mid Day Meal Scheme.
What kind of food does a child receive?
Children receive a hot, cooked, balanced meal with food grains, pulses, vegetables, oil and fat, and fortified rice is being used to fight anaemia.
How is food hygiene maintained?
Schools follow hygiene rules for safe cooking, clean kitchens, and regular food quality checks under the PM POSHAN guidelines.
Do parents need to register online?
No, parents finish the process through the school, and the school enters the child in the meal records and daily reporting system.
Is this year's budget higher than last year?
Yes, the government has allocated Rs 12,750 crore for 2026-27, up from Rs 12,500 crore in 2025-26.