From Plate to Policy: A Field-Based Study on PM POSHAN 2.0 in India's Capital Schools

This paper presents an investigation into the implementation of PM POSHAN 2.0; India’s restructured school nutrition program launched in 2021 as a successor to the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS). Data was collected from government schools in Delhi, where the researchers had detailed discussions with students, parents, and teachers, and observed mealtimes and facilities during their one year of internship. This study finds that while PM POSHAN 2.0 has brought in several innovations such as fortified foods, digital monitoring, and stronger community participation, many of its promises are held back by unsuitability of meals; nutritional value and diversity; uneven oversight; lack of balanced distribution; timely delivery. The paper ends with suggestions to strengthen accountability, improve infrastructure, and scale up community-led practices so that the program can better match its goals with ground realities.