The Mid-Day Meal Scheme, now known as PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman), is a government initiative that provides nutritious and freshly prepared meals to children in government and government-aided schools. The programme aims to improve students’ nutritional health, encourage regular school attendance, and support their active participation in learning.
The scheme also promotes equality among students by providing meals in a common school environment. In November 2001, the Supreme Court of India directed State Governments and Union Territories to provide prepared midday meals to children in government and government-assisted primary schools. The program continues to support the health, education, and overall development of school children.
The provision of mid-day meals in India has helped in:

• Increasing enrolment in schools
• Increasing attendance
• Mitigating classroom hunger
• Helping students concentrate in the classroom
• Reducing the drop-out rate among students
• Addressing the issue of malnutrition among children
• Empowering women through employment
• Improving socialisation among children