- 41 lakh students from pre-primary to Class 8 in Gujarat get a nutritious breakfast every day under Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana.
- The scheme serves protein- and energy-rich traditional foods like sukhdi, chana chaat, mixed lentils, and Shri Anna.
- The government has set aside ₹616.67 crore for 2025-26, helping improve attendance and student growth.
Gujarat Alpahar Yojana, officially called the Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana, is changing the lives of school children by giving them a healthy breakfast every day. Started in 2024 under the Suposhit Gujarat Mission, this scheme makes sure that nearly 41 lakh students from Balvatika (pre-primary) to Class 8 in over 32,000 government schools across Gujarat begin their day with a nutritious meal. This scheme matches Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi” — combining nutrition with education for overall child development.
Who Benefits from Gujarat Alpahar Yojana?
The scheme covers a large number of students, especially those studying in government schools from pre-primary to Class 8. Right now, 41 lakh children in 32,277 schools across Gujarat get a healthy breakfast before classes start. This wide reach makes sure children from different areas and backgrounds get the nutrition they need, helping them focus better in school and improve their health.
Nutritional Value and Menu Highlights
The menu under the Gujarat Alpahar Yojana is carefully planned to provide high protein and energy. Traditional foods like sukhdi (a sweet made from jaggery and wheat), chana chaat (spiced chickpeas), mixed lentils, and Shri Anna — a nutritious mix of millets — are served on a rotating basis. These foods are not only tasty but also full of important nutrients that support children’s physical growth and mental alertness.
Impact on Health and Education
Since it started, the scheme has greatly improved school attendance. Children come to school excited to get their breakfast, which helps them stay energized and focused throughout the day. Teachers notice better concentration and participation in classes, leading to improved learning results. The healthy start also supports physical and mental growth, fighting malnutrition and encouraging healthier future generations.
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Funding and Government Support
For the financial year 2025-26, the Gujarat government has set aside a large budget of ₹616.67 crore to keep the Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana running and growing. This strong financial support shows the government’s commitment to child nutrition and education, making sure the scheme runs smoothly and continues to succeed.
Implementation and Success Stories
Officials and teachers have praised how well the scheme works. Neha Gupta, Joint Commissioner of the PM Poshan Yojna, pointed out the careful planning behind the menu to get the best health benefits. Teachers like Rajendra Prajapati from Ahmedabad say children get their breakfast right when they arrive, creating a positive and welcoming school atmosphere. These success stories show how the Gujarat Alpahar Yojana is setting a good example for similar schemes across India.
By giving nutritious breakfasts to millions of children, the Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana is not only fighting malnutrition but also supporting better education. If you are a parent or teacher in Gujarat, this scheme is a great resource to help children grow healthy and do well in school.