Bihar, UP, West Bengal top in beneficiaries under PM POSHAN, according to the latest update shared by the Education Ministry in Parliament. These three states have reported the highest number of students benefiting from the PM POSHAN scheme, reflecting their strong commitment to child nutrition and education.
In this article, we’ll break down how each state is contributing to the scheme’s success, why PM POSHAN is so important for India’s schoolchildren, and how this initiative supports not only students but also the local economy and communities. Let’s dive in!
What is PM POSHAN Scheme?
The PM POSHAN scheme, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman, is a flagship program of the Government of India. It aims to provide one hot, cooked, nutritious meal every school day to children from Bal Vatika to Class VIII studying in government and government-aided schools.
This scheme addresses two crucial issues at once:
- Fighting malnutrition among children
- Encouraging school attendance and retention
The PM POSHAN scheme is implemented in collaboration with state governments and Union Territories, making it a collective effort to support child welfare.
Bihar Leads: Highest Beneficiaries Under PM POSHAN
Among all Indian states, Bihar tops the list of PM POSHAN beneficiaries. As per official data for the year 2024-25, Bihar recorded a total of 1,73,38,305 beneficiaries. Breaking down the numbers:
- Primary category (Class I-V): 1,14,26,436 children
- Upper primary category (Class VI-VIII): 59,11,869 children
Bihar’s high participation is no surprise. The state’s large population combined with poverty challenges makes the PM POSHAN scheme crucial. Many families rely on this program to ensure their children receive at least one nutritious meal a day. Additionally, the scheme improves school attendance rates, as parents are more motivated to send their kids to school when meals are provided.
Uttar Pradesh: Second Largest Number of Beneficiaries
Following Bihar, Uttar Pradesh (UP) stands second with 1,63,58,928 beneficiaries:
- Primary category: 1,05,77,090 children
- Upper primary category: 57,81,838 children
Being the most populous state in India, UP has a vast student population. Implementing the PM POSHAN scheme at such a large scale is a major achievement. The scheme has helped boost school enrolment, especially in rural areas where poverty is widespread. By ensuring proper nutrition, UP is tackling malnutrition and keeping more children in classrooms.
West Bengal: Strong Participation Secures Third Position
West Bengal ranks third in the number of children benefiting from the PM POSHAN scheme. The state recorded 1,13,40,496 beneficiaries, distributed as follows:
- Primary category: 63,10,427 children
- Upper primary category: 40,71,506 children
West Bengal has a long-standing history of strong school meal programs. The state continues to prioritize children’s health and education by making sure nutritious food reaches millions of schoolchildren every day. The success of the scheme here reflects good coordination between the central and state governments.
Other States With High Numbers of Beneficiaries
While Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are leading, other states also have significant numbers:
- Maharashtra: 98,92,877 beneficiaries
- Madhya Pradesh: 63,35,928 beneficiaries
These numbers indicate that the PM POSHAN scheme is truly nationwide, making a real difference in children’s lives across India.
Key Highlights of PM POSHAN Scheme:
Here are the most important features of the PM POSHAN scheme:
- Target Group: Children in Bal Vatika (pre-primary) to Class VIII in government and government-aided schools.
- Meal Provided: One hot, cooked meal every school day.
- Focus: To reduce malnutrition and increase school attendance.
- Implementation: Joint effort by Central and State/UT governments.
- Local Procurement: States are encouraged to buy food items locally (grains, vegetables, millets).
- Involvement of SHGs: Cook-cum-helpers and local women’s self-help groups are engaged to prepare meals, promoting local employment.
Why Bihar, UP, and West Bengal Lead in PM POSHAN Beneficiaries?
Several factors explain why Bihar, UP, and West Bengal top in beneficiaries under PM POSHAN:
- Large Populations: These states have some of India’s highest population densities, leading to a high number of school-going children.
- Higher Poverty Levels: Economic challenges in these regions make government-supported nutrition schemes essential.
- Strong State Implementation: Effective collaboration between state governments and local bodies ensures smooth delivery of meals.
- Awareness Among Parents: Over the years, parents in these states have recognized the value of sending children to schools offering free meals.
- Local Workforce Utilization: States like Bihar and West Bengal actively engage local SHGs and women’s groups, ensuring smooth kitchen operations and boosting local employment.
Broader Impact of PM POSHAN Scheme
The benefits of the PM POSHAN scheme extend far beyond just feeding children:
1. Improves Nutrition & Health
For millions of children in economically weaker sections, the meal provided under PM POSHAN may be the most nutritious meal they receive all day. This helps in reducing malnutrition, anemia, and stunted growth.
2. Increases School Attendance
Many parents are motivated to send their children to school knowing they will receive a proper meal. This reduces absenteeism and school dropout rates, especially in rural areas.
3. Empowers Women’s Groups
By involving local women’s self-help groups and cook-cum-helpers, the scheme provides employment opportunities to women, enhancing their participation in the local economy.
4. Promotes Local Farming
States are encouraged to source food grains, millets, and vegetables locally. This benefits local farmers, boosts demand for local produce, and strengthens rural economies.
FAQs
1. What is the objective of PM POSHAN scheme?
The PM POSHAN scheme aims to provide one hot, nutritious meal daily to schoolchildren from Bal Vatika to Class VIII, reducing malnutrition and increasing school attendance.
2. Which states have the highest number of PM POSHAN beneficiaries?
Bihar leads, followed by Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, based on the number of enrolled students benefiting from the scheme.
3. How does PM POSHAN help local communities?
The scheme involves local women’s self-help groups and sources food locally, creating jobs and supporting local farmers.
4. Is the scheme available for all children in private schools?
No, PM POSHAN benefits children in government and government-aided schools only.
5. How many children benefit from PM POSHAN across India?
Approximately 11.20 crore children studying in over 10 lakh schools benefit from the scheme nationwide.
Final Thought
The fact that Bihar, UP, West Bengal top in beneficiaries under PM POSHAN is a testament to these states’ commitment to child welfare. The scheme plays a critical role in addressing malnutrition, improving education outcomes, and strengthening local economies. If you found this information useful, don’t forget to share it with others and leave a comment below. For more updates on education schemes and government initiatives, stay connected!
