PM POSHAN Scheme: Education ministry directs schools to reduce oil use mid-day meals by 10% to combat obesity

NEW DELHI: To promote healthier eating habits, and reduce "growing" obesity rate in school children, the ministry of education has come up with several measures and written to state, union territories and school authorities across the country to reduce oil usage in mid day meal by 10% in school meals under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme.

The advisory from the ministry of education was issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 and Mann ki Baat, where he highlighted the growing concern of childhood obesity.

“Childhood obesity is an increasing concern in today's world. There is an urgent need to educate students on the adverse effects of excessive consumption of oil and its connection to obesity. The PM POSHAN scheme presents an excellent opportunity to instill healthy eating habits, encouraging students to prepare and consume fresh, nutritious meals with minimal oil,” the ministry said in an official statement.

The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme is a centrally funded initiative, aimed at providing nutritious meals to students. The scheme is aimed at students enrolled in Bal-Vatika and Classes 1 to 8 in the government and government-aided schools.

Emphasising on regular “exercise and yoga”, the education ministry said that to maintain a healthy lifestyle and burn excess calories, students must do physical training daily. The teachers should be trained to identify obesity in students and guide parents on “portion control” and increase in physical activity of the students.

“Students may be encouraged to prepare low-oil recipes at home under supervision, share pictures on social media and promote healthier eating habits,” the ministry added.

Also read Government schools in Karnataka to get eggs six days a week, Rs 1,500 crore allocated

PM POSHAN Scheme: Important tips to reduce obesity in students

The minister of education has issued several directives to school authorities for the combating obesity in school kids.

• Reduce oil consumption in cafeteria meals and hostel cooking.
• Train cook-cum-helpers under PM POSHAN initiative to practice healthier cooking techniques.
• Spread awareness among students, parents, and teachers through competitions, discussions on healthy cooking methods.
• Promote habits such as exercising and doing yoga daily.
• Schools should conduct a special class on the importance of minimizing oil usage in meals.
• Nutrition experts from home science colleges and health institutions should be invited to share information on ‘low-oil diets’ and healthy recipes.
• Competitions and quizzes on healthy eating habits should be organised with rewards for winners.

Recently, the Odisha government announced a plan to include 200 ml of fortified milk in mid-day meals for school children.