Present:Dr. E.Naveen Nicolas, I.A.S.,
Rc.No.08/MDM/2025
Date:14.02.2026
Sub:
School Education - PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) Scheme Cooking of Mid-Day Meal and serving of hot cooked meals within the school premises - Certain instructions issued - Reg.
ORDER:
It has come to the notice of the Government, through press clippings published in various daily newspapers, that in certain schools the Mid-Day Meal under the PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) Scheme is not being cooked and served strictly as per the prescribed norms, regarding food safety, hygiene, and quality. Instances of food poisoning have also been reported in some schools across the State, despite standing instructions to cook the meals only within the school premises.
As per the guidelines of the PM POSHAN Scheme, hot, freshly cooked safe, and nutritious meals shall be prepared and served to students within the school premises. Any deviation from the prescribed norms defeats the very objective of the Scheme.
Therefore, the following roles and responsibilities are hereby reiterated and shall be strictly adhered to by all concerned:
1.Headmaster / Teachers
. The Headmaster (HM) shall be the overall in-charge of the implementation of the PM POSHAN Scheme in the school.
• Teachers shall assist the Headmaster in daily supervision.
• Ensure strict compliance with PM POSHAN guidelines, food safety. hygiene standards, and maintenance of all prescribed records.
• Immediate corrective action shall be taken in case of any lapses noticed
2. Food Provisions
• The Headmaster/Teacher shall inspect food provisions on a daily basis to ensure freshness and safety.
• Sub-standard or unsafe food items shall not be used under any circumstances and shall be replaced immediately
3. Food Tasting
• The Headmaster/Teacher shall compulsorily taste the cooked food every day before serving it to students and record the same in the food tasting register.
• Teachers may eat along with students wherever feasible, as encouraged under the Scheme.
4. Cooking Utensils
Cleanliness of cooking utensils shall be ensured by the Cooking cum Helpers (CCHs) under the supervision of the Headmaster/Teachers
• Damaged, unhygienic, or unclean utensils shall not be used
5. Drinking Water
. The Headmaster shall ensure the availability of safe and potable drinking water in the school.
• Drinking water containers shall be cleaned on a daily basis.
6. Hand Washing and Cleanliness • Teachers shall supervise hand washing of students before and after meals
• Dining and eating areas shall be kept clean, hygienic, and orderly at all times.
7. Role of AAPC
• The AAPC shall ensurc cleaning of the entire campus after lunch, including dining areas, kitchen, hand-wash areas, and classrooms.
• Proper disposal of food waste shall be ensured and any issues shall be promptly reported to the Headmaster.
8. Monitoring
• The Headmaster shall be responsible for overall monitoring and compliance of the PM POSHAN Scheme in the school.
• Any deviation or lapse shall be immediately rectified and duly documented
All concerned are instructed to strictly comply with the above instructions. Receipt of these proceedings shall be acknowledged.
Yours faithfully,
Sd/-
Dr. E.Naveen Nicolas, I.A.S.,
Director of School Education
To
All the District Educational Officers in the State.
All the Mandal Educational Officers in the State through the District Educational Officers All the Cluster Head Masters in the State through the District Educational Officers. All the Head Masters of Primary/Upper Primary/High school in the State through the District Educational Officers & Mandal Educational Officers, Copy in the registered official whatapps Groups by the 0/o DSE., T.S. Hyderabad
//True Copy Attested//
Additional Director (MDM
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