In a move to promote healthier eating habits among schoolchildren, the Union government has advised states to reduce cooking oil usage by 10% in mid-day meals served in government and aided schools. This directive falls under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM-POSHAN) scheme, aiming to enhance the nutritional quality of meals provided to students.
Understanding the PM-POSHAN Scheme
The PM-POSHAN scheme is a flagship initiative of the Indian government designed to provide nutritious meals to children studying in government and aided schools. It primarily covers students from Bal-Vatika to class 8, ensuring they receive balanced, wholesome meals. In Karnataka, the scheme has been extended to include classes 9 and 10, benefiting approximately 54 lakh students. These meals incorporate fortified grains, pulses, and vegetables to meet essential dietary requirements.
Addressing Health Concerns
The advisory comes in response to the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity in India. According to The Lancet, the number of overweight children (aged 5-19) in India surged from 0.4 million in 1990 to 12.5 million in 2022. Excessive consumption of cooking oil has been linked to obesity and associated health risks, making this initiative a critical step towards healthier school meals. The goal is not only to regulate oil consumption but also to instill lifelong healthy eating habits in students.
Training and Awareness Initiatives
To ensure effective implementation, all cook-cum-helpers in schools will undergo training on reducing cooking oil usage while maintaining taste and nutritional value. Schools will also introduce special classes on low-oil diets, featuring guest lectures by nutrition experts. Additionally, interactive initiatives such as quiz competitions and essay-writing contests will be organized to engage students and raise awareness about healthy eating practices.
Encouraging Healthier Cooking Methods
As part of this initiative, schools are encouraged to adopt healthier cooking techniques such as grilling, steaming, and boiling instead of deep-frying. By minimizing the intake of unhealthy fats, students will be introduced to better dietary habits. Schools will also promote low-oil meal options in canteens and encourage students to try low-oil recipes at home.
Community Participation and Awareness Campaigns
Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the advisory recommends engaging parents and local communities in discussions about health and nutrition. Special meetings of the School Management Committee (SMC) will be conducted to emphasize the role of exercise and physical fitness. Further awareness campaigns, including seminars, workshops, and guest lectures, will be held to reinforce the importance of healthy eating habits.
Maintaining Nutritional Standards in Mid-Day Meals
The PM-POSHAN scheme ensures that mid-day meals adhere to strict nutritional guidelines. The meals include:
- Fortified rice, wheat, or coarse grains, along with pulses and green leafy vegetables.
- Use of Double Fortified Salt (DFS) and fortified edible oil (enriched with Vitamin A & D):
- 5 gm per student for primary classes.
- 7.5 gm per student for upper primary classes.
- Integration of vegetables sourced from School Nutrition Gardens to enhance meal quality.
Conclusion
By reducing cooking oil in school meals, the government is taking a significant step towards fostering healthier dietary habits among children. With proper training, community engagement, and a focus on nutrition, this initiative under the PM-POSHAN scheme has the potential to create lasting positive changes in the health and well-being of millions of students across India.