PANAJI
In a major financial boost to mid-day meal suppliers, the State government has hiked the mid-day meal rates paid to Parent-teachers associations (PTAs) and self-help groups by 0.68 paisa per student per meal for pre-primary and primary and 0.88 paisa per student for upper primary level with retrospective effect from May 1, 2025.
The hike comes just five months after the rates were last revised in December, 2024.
As per new rates, for pre-primary and primary level, the PTAs and self-help groups would be entitled to Rs 9.33 per student per day as against the earlier rate of Rs 8.75.
At upper primary level, the suppliers would be paid Rs 12 per student per meal. The previous rates were Rs 11.12 per student.
In a circular issued, Director of Education Shailesh Zingade said that under the PM POSHAN scheme, the government has decided to revise the material cost with effect from May 1, 2025.
Zingade said that the menu, quantity, calories and other conditions will remain the same.
The hike comes following the revision of material cost by the Union Education Ministry to Rs 6.78 for pre-primary and primary students and Rs 10.71 for students of upper primary classes.
The State and Centre share is divided on a 40:60 basis.
“The revised material cost by the Ministry indicates the minimum mandatory contribution by the State governments. However, the States may also contribute more than their prescribed share, as some States have been contributing more than their minimum mandatory share from their own resources for providing meals with augmented nutrition under the PM POSHAN scheme,” the Ministry said in their communication.
