 Early Times Report
CHANDIGARH, Apr 3: Haryana Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, on Friday, chaired a high-level meeting of the State Level Steering-cum-Monitoring Committee (SLSMC), where the panel approved a budget of ?747 crore for the Financial Year 2026-27 under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme - a flagship programme aimed at strengthening nutritional support for school children across the state.
The approved outlay comprises a central share of ?222 crore and a state share of ?525 crore, underscoring the government's strong financial commitment to expanding the quality and reach of the scheme. The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of the programme's current implementation status, financial performance, and roadmap for the year ahead.
Director, Elementary Education, Manita Malik, informed the meeting that over 14.8 lakh children - from Bal Vatika to upper primary classes - are proposed to be covered under the scheme in the upcoming financial year. The committee reviewed the existing meal menu and nutritional interventions being provided to students, which include supplementary items such as milk, protein-based food products, peanut pinni, and instant kheer. The Chief Secretary called for strict adherence to quality, hygiene, and nutritional standards across all districts, leaving no room for compromise in the delivery of meals.
Rastogi directed officials to further reinforce monitoring mechanisms at both the district and school levels. He emphasised the need for regular inspections and systematic collection of student feedback to ensure that meals are nutritious, palatable, and consistently served to the required standards. The meeting also deliberated on measures to enhance efficiency in fund utilisation and ensure the timely release of instalments.
Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Vijay Singh Dahiya, Commissioner & Secretary, Women & Child Development Department, Shekhar Vidyarthi, committee members from various departments and other senior officers were present in the meeting. |
