Delhi Schools Add Idli-Sambar to PM-POSHAN Menu

Delhi’s Directorate of Education (DoE) revised the PM-POSHAN menu for government and government-aided schools in New Delhi on 11 August 2026. The updated midday meal plan includes idli-sambar, along with changes in several weekly dishes under the school nutrition scheme.

PM-POSHAN Scheme

PM-POSHAN stands for Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman and is the centrally sponsored school meal programme for students in government and government-aided schools. It replaced the earlier Mid-Day Meal Scheme and covers classes from primary to upper primary in many states and Union territories.

Revised Weekly Menu

The revised menu replaces ragi halwa with wheat flour and chana masala, and vegetable daliya with millet-based jowar and bajra. The weekly rotation also includes poori with black chana gravy, rice with chhole and mashed vegetables, poori with chhole, rice with dal, and rice with kadhi.

Implementation and Transition Period

The DoE set 24 August 2026 as the deadline for schools and implementing agencies to complete arrangements for the new menu. Idli-sambar received a two-week transition period because it requires specific cooking equipment, specialised ingredients, and trained personnel.

Implementing agencies and non-governmental organisations can serve different approved menu items in different schools on the same day. They must still cover all six weekly menu days in every school under the approved rotation.

Important Facts for Exams

• PM-POSHAN is a school nutrition programme implemented in government and government-aided schools.
• Idli is a steamed rice-based dish from South India, and sambar is a lentil-based vegetable stew.
• Millets such as jowar and bajra are coarse grains used in Indian diets and public nutrition programmes.
• Delhi’s school meal menu changes were reviewed by a dedicated meal review committee.

Menu Review Process

The revised menu was proposed after evaluation of weekly meal coverage, implementation experience, and stakeholder feedback. The order applies to schools under the Delhi government’s education system in New Delhi.