The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new initiative under the PM Nutrition (Midday Meal) Scheme to enhance the health and well-being of children studying in schools managed by the Basic Education Department. Starting November, children in these schools will receive a variety of nutritious supplements every Thursday, immediately after the Morning Prayer. The new initiative is supposed to be a bid to improve the health and attendance of schoolchildren in the Uttar Pradesh government schools.

As part of the scheme, students will be provided items such as roasted gram (50 grams) or jaggery-til-peanut chikki (20 grams), with the program aiming to boost their immunity, particularly during the winter months. The initiative is set to run from November 2024 to March 2025, with a budget allocation of ₹5 per student.

The Director of Midday Meal Authority, Kanchan Verma, has issued directives to all District Magistrates for effective implementation. The scheme was officially launched in districts, including one led by District Basic Education Officer (BSA) Bahraich Ashish Kumar Singh, on Uttar Pradesh government(14 November). BSA Ashish Kumar Singh, have emphasized the dual benefits of the scheme. Singh said Nutrient-dense items will help not only strengthen children’s immunity but will play a key role in improving attendance in the schools.

District Co-coordinator (DC) MDM Rakesh Kumar said gram, millet and jiggery are good sources of nutrition and energy and will certainly play a key role in improving students’ health during winter season. He further said the scheme has been launched as a pilot project up to March 2025.

Key Highlights of the Scheme:

Improved Health: Nutrient-dense items will help strengthen children’s immunity, particularly during the winter season, reducing illnesses that often disrupt learning.

Enhanced Attendance and Punctuality: By linking the distribution of supplements to the morning schedule, the scheme encourages timely attendance and fosters a sense

1. Scheduled Distribution: Supplements will be provided every Thursday. If schools are closed on Thursday, distribution will occur on the next working day.

2. Monitoring and Record-Keeping: Teachers will maintain records of students receiving supplements, similar to the current Midday Meal documentation.

3. Oversight Mechanisms:

- District Magistrates have been designated as nodal officers.

- Block, district, and state-level teams will conduct regular monitoring.

- An IVRS-based automated call system will track the number of beneficiaries weekly.

- A state-level social audit will assess the program's impact.

Children have expressed excitement about the new scheme, with parents and educators alike praising its potential to improve children's immunity and combat malnutrition during the critical winter season.

Parents, educators, and children have welcomed the initiative, meanwhile teachers have noted increased enthusiasm among students, with many expressing excitement about the supplements. Parents have also lauded the government’s effort, anticipating better health outcomes and consistent school attendance for their children.

The Uttar Pradesh government believes this initiative will set a benchmark for integrating nutrition with education, contributing to a healthier, more disciplined, and academically engaged student population. The government is optimistic that the initiative will set a precedent for innovative nutritional programs in the education sector, benefiting lakhs of students across Uttar Pradesh.