ROLE OF PRADHAN MANTRI POSHAN SHAKTI NIRMAN SCHEME IN WEST BENGAL

The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN) Scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, is a flagship school nutrition programme implemented by the Government of India to improve the nutritional status of school-going children. The scheme provides hot cooked meals to students of Classes I–VIII in government and government-aided schools. In West Bengal, the programme plays an important role in addressing malnutrition, enhancing school enrolment, and reducing dropout rates. It also promotes social equity and learning efficiency among children. This paper analyses the role, implementation, benefits, and challenges of PM-POSHAN in West Bengal and suggests policy measures for improving its effectiveness.