PM-POSHAN (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme) was revised and expanded under the National Food Security Act. Which grade of school children are newly included under PM-POSHAN as extended since its 2021 revision?

• A Higher secondary classes (XI–XII)
• B Children attending government-aided private schools
• C Madrasas and minority institutions only
• D Pre-primary classes (Balvatika) attached to government schools ✓

Explanation

PM-POSHAN (PM Poshan Shakti Nirman, launched 2021) extended the erstwhile Mid-Day Meal Scheme to include pre-primary children enrolled in Balvatika (pre-primary sections) of government and government-aided primary schools, covering children aged 3–6 years in addition to classes I–VIII. This addresses early childhood nutrition at the school interface. Higher secondary classes and purely private schools remain outside scope.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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