Idli-Sambar Added To Delhi School Mid-Day Meals; Ragi Halwa And Porridge Replaced

The mid-day meals served to millions of children studying in Delhi government schools are set for a major change. Idli and sambhar will now be included in students’ meals. The Directorate of Education has issued an order to implement the revised menu under the PM-Poshan Yojana and instructed schools and food delivery agencies to complete all preparations by August 24. The move aims to provide children with a more nutritious and diverse diet.

According to the Education Department, introducing Idli-Sambhar will require special utensils, ingredients and trained staff. Agencies have therefore been given two weeks to make the necessary arrangements. The department has stated that students should start receiving Idli-Sambhar by August 24, with the deadline

unlikely to be extended under normal circumstances.

What The Revised Menu Contains?

Under the revised menu, different meals have been assigned for six days of the week. On the first day, puris will be served with black gram curry and mashed vegetables. The second day will feature idli and sambar. On the third day, rice will be served with chickpeas and mashed vegetables. The fourth day will include puris and chickpeas, while rice and dal will be served on the fifth day. On the sixth day, students will receive rice and curry.

Ragi Halwa and Porridge Removed

The Food Review Committee has recommended several changes to the existing menu after considering children’s preferences, nutritional requirements and practical experience. Ragi halwa will now be replaced with a dish made from wheat flour and chana masala. Vegetable porridge will also be replaced with jowar and bajra-based preparations to provide children with the nutritional benefits of millets.

New Menu To Apply To All Covered Schools

The revised menu will be implemented in all Delhi government and government-aided schools covered under the PM-POSHAN scheme. The department has clarified that agencies do not have to serve the same meal in every school on the same day. Based on the availability of ingredients and other arrangements, different approved dishes may be served at different schools. However, every school will be required to follow the complete six-day meal cycle.

Meal providers will have to follow PM-Poshan nutritional guidelines, FSSAI food safety regulations and prescribed hygiene standards. Any violation may lead to action against the concerned agency. District- and zone-level education officials will carry out regular inspections, while food sampling will also continue. All agencies have been directed to submit compliance reports within three days of implementing the revised menu.