The Uttar Pradesh government has made significant progress in implementing the PM Poshan Yojana, which provides mid-day meals to students in government schools across the state. In the financial year 2024-25, approximately 80% of the allocated funds have already been utilised. Out of the total available amount of Rs 686 crore, which includes contributions from both the Central and state governments, more than Rs 540 crore had been spent as of October 12, 2024. This expenditure represents 78.82% of the total funds. The government has allocated over Rs 667 crore to all districts to support various programme requirements. The PM Poshan Yojana, approved by the Central government, aims to provide hot cooked meals in government and government-aided schools, replacing the former Mid-Day Meal scheme. The scheme is set for an initial period of five years, from 2021-22 to 2025-26. At a recent review meeting led by the chief secretary, it was also decided to enhance the programme by offering additional supplementary nutrition to all students enrolled in schools covered under the scheme. For the financial year 2024-25, the Payment Approval Board (PAB) has sanctioned Rs 2,198.27 crore under the PM Poshan Yojana. The funds cover key expenses, including food and conversion costs, cook honorariums, transportation, and monitoring, management, and evaluation (MME). Of the sanctioned amount, Rs 280.83 crore is carried over from the previous financial year, with an additional Rs 405.14 crore released by the Government of India. This brings the total funds available to the state government for the scheme to Rs 686.97 crore. As of October 12, the state government has allocated Rs 667.77 crore across all districts, with Rs 540.66 crore already utilised to provide hot-cooked meals to students. To ensure the schemes smooth continuation, the state has also requested the release of the second installment.

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