Context : Centre to bear ₹425.62 crore for inflation-induced food material costs in 2024-25 under the PM POSHAN Scheme.
Relevance: GS 2( Schemes)
- Material cost for pulses, vegetables, and oil increased by 13.7%: ₹6.19 for primary/Balvatika students and ₹9.29 for upper primary students.
- Inflation rates (6.45% for 2022-23 and 6.74% for 2023-24) considered for the cost revision.
- New rates applicable across all States and Union Territories; flexibility for higher contributions.
- Centre covers 100% of foodgrain cost and transportation (approx. ₹9,000 crore subsidy annually).
- PM POSHAN Scheme provides hot cooked meals to 11.7 crore students in Balvatika and Classes 1 to 8 across 10.24 lakh government and government-aided schools in India.
- The scheme ensures one hot cooked meal per day, contributing to better health and nutrition among children.
