Assam Improves Midday Meal Menu for Schools to Boost Child Nutrition Under PM POSHAN Scheme

Guwahati: The Assam government has taken a major step to improve the midday meal menu under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme, aiming to enhance the nutritional intake of children. The updated menu includes 12 nutritious recipes designed to provide students with a balanced diet, enhancing their overall health. An official letter from the Executive Director of Samagra Shiksha Assam (SSA) has directed District Mission Coordinators and Assistant District Nodal Officers of PM POSHAN to implement these changes immediately.

Weekly Meal Highlights:

Millet-Based Dish: Students will enjoy a millet-based recipe featuring lentils and vegetables, including leafy greens. If millet is unavailable, dal and vegetables will be served as an alternative.

Tuesday Variations: Different versions of khichdi, a nutritious mix of rice, pulses, and vegetables, will be served.

Wednesday Options: Rice, dal, and vegetables will be accompanied by eggs for non-vegetarian children or soya-based alternatives for vegetarians.

Thursday Menu: Dishes such as bilahi tok (Tomato chutney) and sagwala dal will feature rice, dal, and vegetable combinations.

Friday Delicacies: Meals will include options like lemon-yellow rice with soya chap masala or jeera rice with faldhari kofta.

The revised menu prioritises local and regional ingredients, ensuring that meals are not only nutritious but also appealing to students. This initiative reflects the Assam government's commitment to improving child nutrition through accessible and wholesome meals.