Nearly 41 lakh students from pre-primary to Class 8 across more than 32,000 government schools in Gujarat are receiving a nutritious breakfast every day
under the Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana, launched in 2024 by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel as part of the Suposhit Gujarat Mission. The scheme, which operates alongside the mid-day meal programme providing lunch during recess, aims to ensure that children get adequate nutrition along with education, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi” (nutrition along with education). It currently benefits 41 lakh students from Balvatika (pre-primary) to Class 8 in 32,277 government schools, where breakfast is served before classes begin. The rotating menu includes protein- and energy-rich traditional foods such as sukhdi, chana chaat, mixed lentils, and Shri Anna—a blend of millets known for their high nutritional value. For the financial year 2025-26, the Gujarat government has allocated ₹616.67 crore for the scheme, which has made a significant impact in boosting school attendance and enhancing students’ physical and mental development. According to Neha Gupta, Joint Commissioner of the PM Poshan Yojna, special attention has been given to designing a menu that is rich in protein and calories, ensuring that students enjoy their breakfast and gain maximum health benefits. The initiative is being hailed as a model for combating malnutrition across the country, with teachers like Rajendra Prajapati from a primary school in Ahmedabad noting that children receive their breakfast as soon as they arrive at school, making it a positive start to their day and a step towards better learning outcomes.
