State Hikes Daily Meal Costs for Schoolchildren
In a bid to improve child nutrition across the state, the Odisha government has increased its investment in the PM-POSHAN scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal programme. The School and Mass Education Department announced on June 20, 2025, that the revised rates for cooking expenses per student will be effective from May 1, 2025.
Revised Cooking Cost Per Student
Under the centrally sponsored PM-POSHAN scheme, the Union government currently provides ₹6.78 per day for primary students and ₹10.17 for upper primary students. Odisha has now increased its contribution to the programme. In addition to the existing top-up of ₹1.45 and ₹1.65 respectively, the state has further hiked the per-student cost by ₹2.92 daily. As a result, the total daily meal expenditure now stands at ₹11.15 for primary and ₹14.74 for upper primary students.
Focus on Protein and Diet Diversification
To further improve dietary quality and ensure balanced meals, the government will serve three nutritional laddoos and one extra egg per week beginning with the 2025–26 academic year. This initiative will benefit nearly 45 lakh students across 50,485 government and government-aided schools in Odisha.
The weekly menu has also been enhanced to include rice with dalma (a lentil-vegetable mix), soybean curry, and egg curry. These meals are designed to meet the minimum nutritional norms of 450 calories and 12 grams of protein for primary students and 700 calories and 20 grams of protein for upper primary students.
Government’s Commitment to Child Welfare
“This hike is to ensure that our children eat nutritious food even as food prices increase,” said a senior department official. “The state is determined to make sure that child nutrition is not compromised.”
Aligning with National Nutrition Goals
The upgraded allocation is part of Odisha’s strategy to align with national objectives under the PM-POSHAN framework. It also aims to support better educational outcomes by improving student attendance, attention, and overall well-being through enhanced nutrition.