Why in News?
The Telangana government has launched a Breakfast Scheme for students from pre-primary to Class 12 in government schools and junior colleges, expanding nutritional support beyond the existing Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
Key Facts for UPSC Prelims
- Scheme covers students from pre-primary (KG) to Class 12 (Intermediate)
- Implemented in 1,269 government schools across Telangana
- Beneficiaries: 1.44 lakh students (including school and intermediate students)
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme extended to students in government junior colleges (Class 11 and 12)
- The scheme targets government institutions only
Static/Exam Connect: PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Scheme)
- PM POSHAN (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme): Renamed as PM Poshan Shakti Nirman in 2021.
- Originally launched in 1995 as the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education.
- Current Central coverage: Classes 1–8 (Primary and Upper Primary) in government and government-aided schools.
- Objective: Improve enrollment, retention, attendance and nutrition among school children.
- Administered by: Ministry of Education.
- Telangana’s extension is notable — it expands coverage beyond Central norms to include pre-primary and Class 11–12 students.
Quick Revision Table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Telangana Breakfast Scheme |
| Coverage | Pre-primary to Class 12 |
| Schools covered | 1,269 government schools |
| Beneficiaries | 1.44 lakh students |
| PM POSHAN original launch | 1995 |
| PM POSHAN renamed | 2021 |
| PM POSHAN ministry | Ministry of Education |
| PM POSHAN Central coverage | Classes 1–8 |
| Tamil Nadu Breakfast Scheme launched | 2022 (Classes 1–5) |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Common Confusion | Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| PM POSHAN covers up to Class 10 | PM POSHAN (Central) covers only Classes 1–8; states can expand independently |
| Mid-Day Meal was launched in 2001 | It was launched in 1995; 2001 saw its Supreme Court-ordered expansion |
| PM POSHAN is under Ministry of Women & Child Development | No — it is under the Ministry of Education |
| Telangana scheme covers private schools | The scheme covers only government institutions |
Practice MCQs
1. The Telangana Breakfast Scheme covers students up to which class?
a. Class 8
b. Class 10
c. Class 12
d. Class 5
Ans: C
The Telangana Breakfast Scheme covers students from pre-primary to Class 12 (Intermediate) in government schools.
2. PM POSHAN Shakti Nirman is the renamed version of which scheme?
a. Integrated Child Development Services
b. Mid-Day Meal Scheme
c. National Nutrition Mission
d. Anganwadi Nutrition Scheme
Ans: B
The Mid-Day Meal Scheme was renamed PM Poshan Shakti Nirman in 2021. It is administered by the Ministry of Education.
3. PM POSHAN at the Central level covers students of:
a. Pre-primary to Class 12
b. Classes 1 to 10
c. Classes 1 to 8
d. Classes 1 to 5 only
Ans: C
The Central PM POSHAN scheme covers Classes 1–8 (Primary and Upper Primary). States can expand coverage on their own.
4. When was the Mid-Day Meal Scheme originally launched in India?
a. 2001
b. 1995
c. 1990
d. 2004
Ans: B
The scheme was launched in 1995 as the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education. In 2001, the Supreme Court directed its expansion.
5. Which ministry administers the PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) scheme?
a. Ministry of Women & Child Development
b. Ministry of Health
c. Ministry of Rural Development
d. Ministry of Education
Ans: D
PM POSHAN is administered by the Ministry of Education (formerly HRD Ministry), not Women & Child Development.
To learn current affairs from exam point of view, Click here.
To know more about the Telangana Breakfast Scheme, Click here.
