PM POSHAN beneficiaries in Telangana down from 17.91 lakh in 2021-22 to 14.5 lakh in 2025-26
The number of children covered under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme in Telangana has declined from 17.91 lakh in 2021-22 to
The number of children covered under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme in Telangana has declined from 17.91 lakh in 2021-22 to 14.5 lakh in 2025-26, according to data presented by the Union Education Ministry in the Lok Sabha. The figures were disclosed in response to a question raised by BJP MP Madhavaneni Raghunandan Rao on the utilisation of funds under the erstwhile Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and its successor, Samagra Shiksha.
The reply was answered by Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on August 10. The number of PM POSHAN beneficiaries increased from 17.90 lakh in 2021-22 to 21.05 lakh in 2022-23, before falling to 18.88 lakh in 2023-24, 15.75 lakh in 2024-25 and 14.49 lakh in 2025-26. Under PM POSHAN, eligible children in Balvatika and Classes I to VIII in government and government-aided schools are provided one hot cooked meal on all school days.
The prescribed nutritional norm is 450 calories and 12 grams of protein per child per day for primary classes, and 700 calories and 20 grams of protein for upper primary classes. The reply said Telangana government had taken several measures to improve the quality and nutritional standards of meals. These include supplying fine rice to eligible students, providing eggs three times a week and introducing Ragi Java three times a week.
Regular quality monitoring and inspections are also being conducted by State, district and mandal-level officials, along with periodic food safety, hygiene and sanitation inspections in schools. The Centre also said 736 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) had been approved for Telangana, including 26 in Medak district.
The BriefWire