In a major step toward improving the nutritional status of school children, the Odisha government has approved a proposal to provide nutrition-rich laddoos to students from Class I to X under the PM POSHAN Scheme starting from 1st April 2025. The initiative aims to enhance the health and energy levels of students by providing them with nutrient-dense laddoos made from locally sourced ingredients.
The proposal reflects the government’s commitment to tackling malnutrition and ensuring that children receive balanced and wholesome diets during their formative years.
🍲 Key Highlights of the Initiative
- Start Date: 1st April 2025
- Frequency: Three times a week – Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
- Cost: â‚ą3.50 per laddoo
- Target Group: Students from Class I to X in Government and Government-Aided Schools under the PM POSHAN Scheme
- Distribution Time: During the morning assembly
🌾 Nutritional Composition and Ingredients
The laddoos will be made using a balanced mix of high-nutrient ingredients:
- ✅ Groundnut – Rich in protein and healthy fats
- ✅ Sesame – High in calcium and iron
- ✅ Millet – Excellent source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals
- ✅ Jaggery – Natural sweetener, rich in iron and energy
This combination ensures that students receive essential nutrients like fibre, iron, and healthy fats — crucial for their physical and cognitive development.
🏫 Implementation Guidelines
The School and Mass Education Department has issued detailed guidelines to ensure smooth implementation and quality control of the programme:
📢 Instructions to District Collectors and DEOs:
- District Collectors have been instructed to direct all District Education Officers (DEOs) to implement the programme effectively.
- A list detailing the approximate number of students to be covered under the scheme will be shared separately.
🔄 Sourcing and Procurement:
- Headmasters (HMs) will source raw materials such as millet, groundnut, sesame, and jaggery from the local market on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
- The authenticity and expiry dates of the products must be verified before procurement.
- All ingredients must be stored in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
🍪 Preparation and Recipe
- Cook-cum-Helpers (CCHs) will prepare the laddoos.
- CCHs received special training on millet laddoo preparation during a capacity-building programme held between April and July 2023.
- The recipe for the laddoos is available on the Odisha Millet Mission website.
âś… Key Preparation Guidelines:
- ✔️ Cooks must maintain hygiene and cleanliness while preparing laddoos.
- ✔️ Laddoos should be freshly prepared on the day of distribution or the day before.
- ✔️ If stored, laddoos should be kept in airtight containers for a maximum shelf-life of 30 days.
🔍 Quality Control and Monitoring
To ensure consistent quality and nutritional value, the following measures will be implemented:
- Regular monitoring by school authorities and local officials.
- Feedback mechanism to address any issues related to taste, quality, and distribution.
- Surprise inspections to check the storage and hygiene conditions.
🌍 Significance and Impact
The introduction of nutrition-rich laddoos in Odisha’s schools is expected to:
- ✔️ Improve overall nutrition levels among school children.
- ✔️ Enhance physical and mental development.
- ✔️ Encourage regular school attendance by providing a nutritional incentive.
- ✔️ Promote local sourcing of ingredients, supporting farmers and local markets.
đź“Š Why It Matters
Odisha has made significant strides in improving school nutrition under the PM POSHAN Scheme (formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme). However, malnutrition and anaemia among children remain persistent challenges.
âś… Expected Benefits:
- Increased energy levels and better concentration among students.
- Reduction in micronutrient deficiencies such as iron deficiency and anaemia.
- Enhanced community involvement by engaging local farmers and markets for ingredient sourcing.
🏆 Conclusion
The Odisha government’s decision to provide nutrition-rich laddoos to school children under the PM POSHAN Scheme reflects a well-planned strategy to address malnutrition and improve educational outcomes. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on student health, academic performance, and overall well-being.
By ensuring that the laddoos are made from locally sourced, nutrient-rich ingredients, the government is also promoting sustainable agriculture and community involvement. This comprehensive approach marks a significant step toward building a healthier and more prosperous future for Odisha’s children.
👉 Stay updated on the latest developments in Odisha’s school nutrition programmes at Objective IAS.