PM POSHAN (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme) was renamed and expanded in 2021 to include which additional provision beyond cooked hot meals for primary school children?
- A Take-home rations for children below 3 years
- B Hot cooked meals extended to pre-primary (Balvatikas/Grade 1 equivalent) children in government schools ✓
- C Breakfast for children in classes 6–8 at government schools
- D Monthly iron-folic acid supplementation along with meals
Correct answer: B. Hot cooked meals extended to pre-primary (Balvatikas/Grade 1 equivalent) children in government schools
Explanation
PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) scheme, launched in 2021 by converting the MDM scheme, extended the hot cooked meal benefit to pre-primary children attending government and government-aided schools (including Bal Vatikas or pre-primary classes). This expanded the scheme's reach beyond classes 1–8 to include younger children. The scheme covers about 12 crore children in government schools and aims to address malnutrition, improve enrollment, and reduce dropout rates.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.