CHAPTER – 1

INTRODUCTION

Education plays a vital role in the overall development of children and society. However,
proper nutrition is equally important for ensuring effective learning and healthy growth
among school-going children. Many children in rural and economically weaker families face
nutritional deficiencies, which affect their health, concentration, and academic
performance. To address this issue, the Government of India introduced the Mid-Day Meal
Scheme, now known as PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman).

PM POSHAN is a centrally sponsored scheme that provides nutritious cooked meals to

students studying in Government and Government-aided schools. The scheme aims to
improve the nutritional status of children, increase school enrolment and attendance,
reduce dropout rates, and encourage social equality among students belonging to different
social and economic backgrounds.

The programme not only helps in reducing classroom hunger but also contributes to the
physical, mental, and educational development of children. By providing nutritious meals at
school, the scheme supports the goal of universal elementary education and promotes
child welfare.

The present Community Engagement Project was conducted at Government panchayat

High school Bheunria located in Bheunria Gram Panchayat under padampur Block of
Bargarh District, Odisha. The study was carried out through field visits, observation,
interaction with teachers, students, and school authorities, and analysis of information
collected through questionnaires.

The project attempts to understand the implementation and effectiveness of the PM

POSHAN Scheme in the selected school. Special attention was given to meal preparation,
distribution process, hygiene standards, infrastructure facilities, nutritional value of food,
and the impact of the scheme on students.

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1.1 Background of the Study

The Mid-Day Meal Programme was launched to improve children's nutritional status and
encourage school participation. Over the year it has become one of the largest
schoolfeeding programmes in the world. In 2021, the Government of India renamed the
scheme as PM POSHAN while continuing its objective of providing nutritious meals to
school children.

The scheme plays an important role in supporting children from economically

weaker families by ensuring at least one nutritious meal during the school day. It also
helps create awareness about hygiene, nutrition, and healthy eating habits among
students.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of the study are:

[Link] study the implementation of the PM POSHAN Scheme in Government panchayat High
school Bheunria.

2. To examine the quality and nutritional value of meals provided to students.

3. To assess the hygiene and sanitation practices followed during meal preparation and
distribution.

4. To understand the impact of the scheme on student attendance and participation.

5. To identify challenges faced in the implementation of the scheme and suggest suitable
recommendations.

1.3 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to Government Panchayat High school Bheunria It focuses on the
functioning of the PM POSHAN Scheme, meal preparation, infrastructure facilities, hygiene
conditions, student participation, and the role of school authorities in ensuring the
successful implementation of the programme.

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1.4 Significance of the Study

The study helps in understanding the practical implementation of a major government

welfare programme at the grassroots level. It provides insights into the benefits of the PM
POSHAN Scheme for students and highlights its contribution towards nutrition, education,
and social development. The findings of the study may also be useful for improving the
effectiveness of similar welfare programmes in rural schools.

Chapter -2

Literature review

PROFILE OF THE INSTITUTION

2.1 Introduction

Government panchayat High school Bheunria is a Government

educational institution located in Bheunria village under Bheunria Gram
Panchayat of padampur Block in Bargarh District, Odisha. The school
provides primary education to children of the local community and
plays an important role in promoting literacy, social development, and
child welfare. The institution also implements various Government
welfare programmes, including the PM POSHAN Scheme.

2.2 Location of the School

The school is situated in Bheunria village padampur Block in Bargarh

District. It caters to the educational needs of children from the village

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and nearby areas. The school is easily accessible and serves as an
important educational centre for the rural community.

2.3 Basic Information of the School

Particulars details:

Name of School – Panchayat High School Bheunria

Location– Bheunria , Padampur, Baragada , Odisha

Type of School– Government

Total Enrolment –57

PM POSHAN Beneficiaries –50

Teacher-in-Charge –[Link] Kumar Panda

Meal Serving Time – 1:15

Managing Authority

School Management Committee (SMC)

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 2.4 Student Enrolment

According to the school records, the total enrolment of Government

panchayat High school Bheunria is 57 students. The school provides
education to boys and girls belonging to different social and economic
backgrounds. The enrolment reflects the active participation of the
community in elementary education.

Table 2.1 Student Strength

Category

Number of Students

Boys

32

Girls

25

Total

57

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Figure 2.1: Student Roll Strength Record of Government Panchayat
High School Bheunria.

2.5 Facilities Available in the School

During the field visit, it was observed that the school possesses basic
facilities required for primary education. The school has classrooms,
seating arrangements, drinking water facilities, educational records,
and infrastructure necessary for the implementation of the PM
POSHAN Scheme. Proper records regarding attendance and enrolment
are maintained by the school authorities.

2.6 PM POSHAN Scheme in the School

The PM POSHAN Scheme is implemented regularly in the school.

Mid-day meals are served to students at approximately 1:15 PM every
school day. The programme is supervised by the School Management
Committee (SMC) and school authorities. The meals provided are
nutritious and hygienically prepared. The scheme has helped improve
attendance, reduce classroom hunger, and support the nutritional
needs of students.

Figure 2.2: Government Panchayat High School, Bheunria

2.7 Conclusion

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Government Panchayat High School Bheunria plays an important role in
providing quality primary education and welfare services to children of
the local community. The successful implementation of the PM POSHAN
Scheme demonstrates the school's commitment to promoting
education, nutrition, and overall child development.

Chapter –3

METHODOLOGY

Methodology refers to the systematic procedure adopted for collecting, analyzing, and
interpreting information related to the study. The present study was conducted to
understand the implementation and impact of the PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) Scheme at
Government Panchayat High School ,Bheunria.

3.1 Study Area

The study was conducted at Government Panchayat High School, Bheunria, situated in
Bheunria Gram Panchayat under padampur Block of Bargarh District, Odisha. The school is
a Government educational institution providing primary education to children from the
surrounding area. During the study period, the school had approximately 57 enrolled
students, of whom around 50 students regularly received meals under the PM POSHAN
Scheme.

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3.2 Sources of Data

Both primary and secondary sources of data were used for the study.

Primary Data:

Direct observation during field visits.

Interaction with teachers and school authorities.

Discussion with students.

Information collected through a structured questionnaire.

Observation of meal preparation and distribution.

Secondary Data:

Government guidelines related to PM POSHAN.

School records and attendance registers.

Books, reports, journals, and internet sources related to the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

3.3 Methods of Data Collection

The following methods were adopted:

a) Observation Method:

The researcher directly observed the functioning of the PM POSHAN Scheme, including
food preparation, serving process, hygiene practices, and student participation.

b) Interview Method:

Informal discussions were held with the Headmaster, teachers, School Management
Committee members, and students to gather information regarding the implementation of
the scheme.

c) Questionnaire Method:

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A structured questionnaire was prepared and used to collect information regarding meal
quality, nutritional value, attendance, hygiene, infrastructure facilities, and challenges faced
during implementation.

3.5 Limitations of the Study

The study was limited to only one school.

The duration of fieldwork was limited.

Information collected depended on the responses of respondents and available records.

Due to time constraints, a detailed comparison with other schools could not be conducted.

Despite these limitations, sincere efforts were made to collect accurate and reliable
information regarding the implementation of the PM POSHAN Scheme.

CHAPTER – 4

DESCRIPTION OF COMMUNITY INTERACTION, OBSERVATIONS AND ANALYSIS

The present study was conducted at Government Panchayat High School, Bheunria, under
Bheunria Gram Panchayat of Padampur Block in Bargarh District. The study focused on
understanding the implementation and impact of the PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) Scheme
through field visits, observation, interaction with teachers, and examination of school
records.

4.1 Community Interaction

During the field visits, interaction was carried out with the Teacher-in-Charge, students, and
members associated with the implementation of the PM POSHAN Scheme. Information
regarding meal preparation, attendance, nutritional value, hygiene practices, and record
maintenance was collected through discussion and observation.

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The Teacher-in-Charge informed that PM POSHAN meals are provided regularly to students
as per government guidelines. The scheme has contributed significantly towards improving
student attendance and reducing classroom hunger.

Figure 3: Interaction with Teacher regarding PM POSHAN Scheme

4.2 School Profile

Government Panchayat High School, Bheunria is a Government educational institution

providing primary education to children of the locality. According to the school records
observed during the study, the total enrolment of the school was 57 students.

The enrolment consisted of:

Particulars

Number

Total Enrolment

57

Students Receiving PM POSHAN

10
50

Students Not Receiving PM POSHAN

The school provides educational as well as nutritional support to students through the PM
POSHAN Scheme.

Figure 4: Student Roll Strength Record Displayed in School

4.3 Implementation of PM POSHAN Scheme

The PM POSHAN Scheme is implemented regularly in the school. Meals are served daily at
approximately 1:15 PM. The School Management Committee (SMC) plays an important role
in supervising and managing the programme.

Observation status

1 - Mid-Day Meal provided regularly

Yes

2 - Food hygienically prepared

Yes

3 - Nutritious food provided

Yes

4 - Clean drinking water available

Yes

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5 - Proper utensils available

Yes

6 - SMC involvement in monitoring

Yes

7 - Meal served on time

Yes

Key observations include:

• Mid-Day Meals are served regularly.

• Approximately 50 students receive meals daily.

• Food is prepared according to prescribed guidelines.

• Attendance records and meal records are maintained properly.

• School authorities monitor the programme regularly.

4.4 Observation of School Records

During the study, official records relating to student attendance and PM POSHAN
implementation were examined. The records indicated systematic maintenance of
enrolment and attendance information.

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The PM POSHAN register showed regular recording of meal distribution and student
attendance. This reflects proper monitoring and transparency in programme
implementation.

Figure 5: PM POSHAN Attendance and Meal Distribution Register

4.5 Nutritional and Food Quality Assessment

Observation and interaction with school authorities revealed that the meals provided under
the scheme are nutritious and hygienically prepared.

The food generally includes:

• Rice

• Dal

• Vegetables

• Eggs (as per menu schedule)

The quality of food was found satisfactory. Proper utensils were available for serving meals
and students received food in an organized manner.

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Clean drinking water facilities were also available for students during meal time.

4.6 Impact on Students

The PM POSHAN Scheme has positively influenced students in several ways.

The major benefits observed are:

• Improved attendance of students.

• Reduction in classroom hunger.

• Better concentration during classroom activities.

• Increased participation in school activities.

• Improved nutritional support for children from economically weaker families.

The scheme also promotes equality by encouraging students from different social and
economic backgrounds to eat together.

4.7 Challenges Observed

Although the scheme is functioning effectively, a few challenges were identified:

• Limited financial resources for infrastructure improvement.

• Need for continuous monitoring of meal quality.

• Requirement of additional awareness regarding nutrition and hygiene.

• Maintenance of kitchen facilities requires regular attention.

4.8 Analysis of Findings

Based on the field observations, questionnaire survey, and interaction with stakeholders, it
can be concluded that the PM POSHAN Scheme is being implemented successfully in
Government Panchayat High School Bheunria.

The maintenance of attendance registers, enrolment records, and meal distribution

records demonstrates accountability and proper management. The availability of clean

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drinking water, nutritious meals, and regular supervision contributes to the overall
effectiveness of the programme.

The scheme plays an important role in supporting education, nutrition, and social welfare
among school-going children.

CHAPTER – 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion

The PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) Scheme is one of the most important welfare programmes
implemented by the Government of India to improve the nutritional status of school-going
children and promote elementary education. The present study conducted at Government
Panchayat High School, Bheunria provided an opportunity to understand the functioning
and effectiveness of the scheme at the grassroots level.

The study revealed that the scheme is being implemented effectively in the school. Regular
meals are provided to students, attendance and meal distribution records are properly
maintained, and the School Management Committee actively participates in the supervision
of the programme. The school has basic facilities such as drinking water and necessary
utensils for meal distribution.

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The findings indicate that the PM POSHAN Scheme has a positive impact on students. It
helps reduce hunger during school hours, improves attendance, encourages participation
in classroom activities, and supports the nutritional needs of children. The programme also
promotes social equality by providing a common meal to all students irrespective of their
social and economic background.

Overall, the scheme has contributed significantly to the welfare, health, and educational
development of students studying at Government Primary School, Palsada.

5.2 Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are suggested:

Regular monitoring of food quality should be continued to ensure nutritional standards.

Hygiene and sanitation practices in meal preparation and serving should be strengthened
0further.

Awareness programmes on nutrition and healthy eating habits should be organized for
students.

School infrastructure related to meal preparation and storage facilities should be improved
whenever necessary.

Adequate financial and administrative support should be provided for smooth

implementation of the scheme.

Community participation and involvement of parents should be encouraged to enhance

transparency and accountability.

Periodic inspection by concerned authorities should be conducted to maintain the quality

and effectiveness of the programme.

The successful implementation of the PM POSHAN Scheme can play an important role in
achieving the goals of child welfare, nutritional security, and universal elementary
education.

REFERENCES

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Government of India, Ministry of Education, PM POSHAN Scheme Guidelines.

Government of Odisha, School and Mass Education Department Reports.

Official records of Government Panchayat High School Bheunria .

Information collected through field visits and questionnaire survey.

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Reports and publications related to Mid-Day Meal/PM POSHAN Scheme.

School attendance and enrolment records observed during the study.

Appendix: Internship on Mid-Day Meal Programme

Appendix – I

Observation Report on Mid-Day Meal Programme

Name of Institution Visited: Panchayat High School, Bheunria

Date of Visit: 12/05/2026

Duration: 24/06/2026

Supervisor/Teacher: [Link] Paik

Introduction

As part of the internship programme, I visited Panchayat High School, Bheunria to observe
the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Programme. The programme aims to provide
nutritious food to school children, improve their health status, increase school attendance,
and reduce dropout rates.

Objectives of the Visit

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To understand the functioning of the Mid-Day Meal Programme.

To observe food preparation and distribution procedures.

To assess cleanliness and hygiene practices.

To study the impact of the programme on students.

Observations

The meal was prepared in the school kitchen by designated cooks.

Proper hygiene was maintained during cooking and serving.

Students washed their hands before eating.

Food was distributed equally among all students.

Teachers supervised the meal distribution process.

Students appeared satisfied with the quality and quantity of food provided.

Benefits Observed

Improved student attendance and participation.

Better nutritional support for children.

Encouragement of social equality as students eat together.

Reduction in classroom hunger, leading to better concentration.

Challenges Observed

Need for regular monitoring of food quality.

Requirement of adequate kitchen infrastructure.

Occasional delays in the supply of food materials.

Learning Outcomes

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Through this internship visit, I learned about the importance of the Mid-Day Meal
Programme in promoting education, nutrition, and social welfare among school children.
The programme plays a significant role in ensuring the overall development of students.

Conclusion

The Mid-Day Meal Programme at Panchayat High School, Bheunria was functioning
effectively. The visit provided practical knowledge about school welfare programmes and
their contribution to students' health and education.

Signature of Student: __________

Signature of Supervisor: __________

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