Forest Services
Introduction
The recent recommendation from a panel to expand the PM-POSHAN scheme to include breakfast and extend coverage to students up to Class 10 is a pivotal moment for India's educational and nutritional policies. This expansion is not merely a logistical adjustment; it addresses critical gaps in child nutrition and educational performance. By integrating breakfast into the scheme, India can significantly enhance cognitive development and learning outcomes, especially in a country where 35.5% of children under five are stunted, according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).
Furthermore, the Global Nutrition Report 2021 highlights that India has the highest number of stunted children globally, with 61 million affected. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to child nutrition that includes both lunch and breakfast, thereby fostering a conducive learning environment. The inclusion of breakfast is particularly significant as studies have shown that children who eat breakfast perform better academically, have improved concentration, and exhibit better behavior in school.
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 2: Governance
- Subtopics: Health and Education Policy
- Essay angle: Intersection of Nutrition and Education
Institutional and Legal Framework
- The Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS) serves as a precursor to PM-POSHAN, focusing primarily on providing lunch to school children.
- PM-POSHAN was launched in 2021 to enhance nutritional outcomes and improve school attendance.
- The National Food Security Act, 2013 mandates the provision of meals to children, but does not explicitly cover breakfast.
- Ministry of Education and Ministry of Women and Child Development are the key institutions involved in the implementation of these schemes.
Key Challenges
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Current focus on lunch neglects breakfast, which is critical for cognitive function.
- Attendance Rates: Schools with meal programs see higher attendance; Brazil's National School Feeding Program reports a 20% increase in attendance (FAO, 2021).
- Implementation Gaps: Lack of infrastructure and trained personnel hampers effective delivery of meals.
- Awareness and Accessibility: Parents may be unaware of the benefits of breakfast, limiting participation.
| Aspect | India | Brazil |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Students up to Class 8 | Over 40 million students |
| Meal Type | Lunch only | Breakfast and lunch |
| Impact on Attendance | Limited data | 20% increase |
| Stunting Rate | 35.5% | 20.4% |
Critical Evaluation
While the PM-POSHAN scheme has made strides in addressing child nutrition, its current structure is inadequate. The exclusive focus on lunch fails to address the essential morning meal, which is vital for enhancing cognitive development. Expanding the scheme to include breakfast is not just a matter of nutritional policy; it is a strategic move to bolster educational outcomes.
- Nutritional Impact: Breakfast is crucial for cognitive function and learning.
- Educational Outcomes: Improved nutrition correlates with better academic performance.
- Long-term Benefits: Investing in child nutrition yields economic returns by enhancing workforce productivity.
Structured Assessment
- Policy Design: The current design lacks a comprehensive approach to child nutrition.
- Governance Capacity: Implementation challenges exist due to inadequate infrastructure and training.
- Structural Factors: Socioeconomic disparities affect access and participation in meal programs.
Prelims MCQ
- It currently provides meals only to students up to Class 5.
- The scheme includes provisions for breakfast.
- It aims to improve nutritional outcomes and school attendance.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Source: LearnPro Editorial | Indian Society | Published: 19 March 2026 | Last updated: 22 March 2026
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