Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has ordered an expansion of the state’s nutritional support program. Government school students from Nursery to Class 8 will now receive supplementary food items twice a week, doubling the previous frequency of once a week.
Doubling the Weekly Nutritional Push
The policy update amends the Mukhya Mantri Bal Paushtik Aahaar Yojna. State authorities designed the adjustment to improve child health and development across government institutions.
Apples, Bananas, and Boiled Eggs on the Menu
Under the revised guidelines, students will receive either a boiled egg or fresh fruit—specifically bananas or apples—twice weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays. The choice of item relies on the preference of the students or their guardians. If a scheduled distribution day falls on a holiday, schools will serve the nutritional top-up on the next working day, as outlined in the Standard Operating Procedure.
Local Sourcing and Higher Funding Allocations
The state government provides separate funding to schools to implement the initiative. This marks a clear transition from a previous allocation of ₹7 per child per week when items were distributed once weekly. Schools now source eggs and fresh fruits directly from local markets, retaining the option to engage Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Mahila Mandals, and School Management Committees for procurement.
Strict FSSAI Standards and Field Mandates
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that effective monitoring, community participation, and strict adherence to food safety standards are vital for the program’s success. Field functionaries received direct instructions to ensure that only fresh, clean, and high-quality items are supplied under proper hygiene and storage conditions. Furthermore, procurement, storage, and distribution processes must strictly follow the guidelines and norms established by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Addressing Nutritional Gaps in State Schools
The Mukhya Mantri Bal Paushtik Aahaar Yojna was initially launched by the Himachal Pradesh government in July 2024 to complement the existing PM POSHAN mid-day meal program. By doubling the frequency of supplementary nutrition from once to twice a week, the state aims to address nutritional gaps and enhance the overall well-being and health outcomes of young students enrolled in government schools.
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