Telangana PM POSHAN Beneficiaries Drop to 14.5 Lakh, Lok Sabha Data Shows

The number of children covered under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme in Telangana has experienced a steady decline from 17.91 lakh in 2021-22 down to 14.5 lakh in 2025-26, according to official data presented by the Union Education Ministry in the Lok Sabha.

The statistics were disclosed in response to a parliamentary question raised by BJP MP Madhavaneni Raghunandan Rao regarding the utilisation of funds under the erstwhile Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and its successor, Samagra Shiksha. Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi provided the official reply on August 10.

According to the year-wise figures shared by the ministry, the number of beneficiaries initially recorded an increase from 17.90 lakh in the 2021-22 academic year to 21.05 lakh in 2022-23. However, coverage dropped in subsequent years, falling to 18.88 lakh in 2023-24, 15.75 lakh in 2024-25, and reaching 14.49 lakh in 2025-26.

Under the PM POSHAN initiative, eligible children in Balvatika and Classes I to VIII across government and government-aided schools are provided one hot cooked meal on all school days. The prescribed daily nutritional standard stands at 450 calories and 12 grams of protein per child for primary classes, and 700 calories and 20 grams of protein for upper primary classes.

The parliamentary response detailed several measures initiated by the Telangana government to enhance the quality and nutritional standard of the meals. These steps include supplying fine rice to eligible students, serving eggs three times a week, and introducing Ragi Java three times a week.

To ensure quality control, state, district, and mandal-level officials are conducting regular monitoring and inspections. Schools across the state are also subject to periodic inspections focusing on food safety, hygiene, and sanitation.

Additionally, the ministry stated that 736 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) have been approved for Telangana, including 26 in Medak district.