PANAJI
Goa has received its full Central allocation of Rs 22.26 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN), popularly known as mid-day meal scheme for the ongoing academic year, benefiting over 1.58 lakh students across the State.
The funds were released in two equal instalments of Rs 11.13 crore each. Sources said that while Centre has released its total allocation, the State government, too, has been releasing its share on time and, in fact, often supplements the scheme with additional funds beyond the earmarked amount.
For the current year, the total expenditure under PM-POSHAN in Goa has been pegged at Rs 35.51 crore, to be jointly borne by the Centre and the State. As per prescribed norms, the mandatory State share stands at Rs 13.25 crore.
The State government contributes Rs 9.33 per student per day for pre-primary students and Rs 12 per student per meal for upper primary students.
The Central assistance was approved after Goa submitted its Annual Operational Plan (AOP) to the Programme Approval Board (PAB) of the PM-POSHAN scheme. Along with the financial support, the Centre has also allocated 4,506.48 metric tonnes of food grains for the academic year.
During the current term, mid-day meals are being provided to 1.58 lakh eligible students across 1,224 schools in Goa. This includes 2,562 children under Bal Vatika, 89,584 primary students and 64,801 upper primary students. The total number of working days approved under the scheme is 238.
Explaining the cost-sharing mechanism, officials said the Centre bears the entire cost of food grains supplied to the State. The cost of food grains for Goa works out to Rs 16.11 crore, calculated at Rs41.73 per kg for rice and Rs 29.80 per kg for wheat. Of this, Rs 14.99 crore is borne as subsidy by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
The State has approached PAB seeking enhancement in the honorarium paid to cook-cum-helpers, suggesting that the increase be supported through the Management, Monitoring and Evaluation (MME) funds under the scheme from the next academic year.
Sources said the State may seek additional assistance from the Centre in case of increased student attendance, additional working days or other valid requirements. However, same can be restricted if enrolment or attendance falls below approved figures.
Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Education is in the process of restructuring the PM-POSHAN scheme.
