HOLISTIC NUTRITION FOR INDIA’S CHILDREN: EFFECTIVENESS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS OF THE POSHAK AHAR PROGRAM

Poshak Ahar—India’s school-based nutrition initiatives linking the Mid-Day Meal (PM POSHAN) scheme with Poshan Abhiyaan/Mission Poshan 2.0—aim to reduce undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among school-age children while supporting attendance and learning. This study synthesizes secondary data from NFHS-4 (2015–16) and NFHS-5 (2019–21), government reports, and peer-reviewed evaluations to assess the effectiveness, reach, and limitations of Poshak Ahar programs. Findings show measurable gains in chronic undernutrition indicators: stunting and underweight prevalence among young children have declined in recent years, and evidence links sustained school feeding with improved height-for-age and weight-for-age outcomes, higher enrolment, and better classroom engagement. Nevertheless, persistent and growing challenges remain—most notably high anaemia prevalence, regional disparities in program quality and coverage, infrastructure deficits (kitchens, potable water), supply-chain and monitoring shortfalls, and pandemic-related interruptions. The analysis highlights that while school meals are a critical component of a multi-sectoral nutrition strategy, their impact on micronutrient status requires strengthened fortification, supplementation, and behaviour-change interventions. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to enhance Poshak Ahar impact: upgrade infrastructure, diversify and fortify menus (including millets and locally sourced foods), implement robust real-time monitoring and third-party audits, expand nutrition education, and prioritize high-burden regions with targeted support and contingency planning. Strengthening these elements can make Poshak Ahar a more resilient and equitable vehicle for improving child nutrition, health, and educational outcomes in India.