MoE Announces 9.5% Material Cost Hike for PM POSHAN Scheme

Current Context: The PM POSHAN Scheme, aimed at providing free, nutritious meals to school children, has been revised to address rising inflation.

• This decision ensures the continued delivery of quality meals to students across India.
• Announced by the Ministry of Education on April 10, 2025, the new material costs will take effect from May 1, 2025.

Key Points of the Announcement:

• Hike Details: A 9.5% increase in material costs under the scheme.

Revised Rates:

• Balvatika and Primary Students: Allocation increased from ₹6.19 to ₹6.78.
• Upper Primary Students: Allocation rose from ₹9.29 to ₹10.17.

Impact: Covers over 11.2 crore students across 10.36 lakh schools in the country.
Government Budget: An additional ₹954 crore has been allocated for the fiscal year 2025–26 to accommodate this change.

Question:

Q.1 What is the percentage increase in material costs under the PM POSHAN Scheme as announced by the Ministry of Education on April 10, 2025?
a) 5%
b) 7.5%
c) 9.5%
d) 10%

Answer: c) The Ministry of Education announced a 9.5% increase in material costs under the PM POSHAN Scheme to address rising inflation and ensure the continued delivery of quality meals to students.