Bihar Government Revamps Mid-Day Meal Menu

• 31 Jan 2025

Why in News? 

The Government of Bihar has announced significant changes to the mid-day meal (PM Poshan Shakti Nirman or PM Poshan) menu across all government schools in the state, aiming to enhance the nutritional value and variety of meals provided to students.  

Key Points 

• Changes to the meal are designed to ensure that children receive balanced and wholesome nutrition, thereby promoting better health and learning outcomes. 
• This updated menu emphasizes the inclusion of protein-rich foods like soybeans and lentils, as well as a variety of seasonal vegetables, to ensure a balanced diet for the students.       
• The mid-day meal scheme is a pivotal initiative by the government to provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren, thereby encouraging higher attendance rates and supporting the overall development of students.  
• These changes are set to be implemented across all government schools in Bihar, reflecting the state's dedication to fostering a healthier and more conducive learning environment for its children. 

 Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) 

• About:  
  • It is the largest school feeding programme of its kind in the world, covering students enrolled in government schools from Classes 1 to 8. 
  • The basic objective of this scheme is to enhance enrolment in schools. 
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education 
• Background: The programme was first introduced in 1925 for disadvantaged children in Madras Municipal Corporation. 
  • The Union government launched as a centrally sponsored scheme on a pilot basis in 1995 for children in Classes 1 to 5, and by October 2007, MDMS had been scaled up to Class 8.