LPG Shortage Leads PM POSHAN Kitchens to Rely on Firewood, Impacting Women Workers

The Prime Ministers POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) scheme, which provides nutritious meals to approximately 11 crore children across 10.35 lakh schools in India, predominantly serves students from socially disadvantaged and low-income backgrounds. In an effort to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact, the scheme is shifting back to the use of alternative fuels for cooking meals.

This transition to alternative fuels, such as biogas and solar energy, aims to improve the energy efficiency of the mid-day meal program while also addressing concerns related to air pollution and deforestation. The PM POSHAN scheme has played a significant role in improving nutritional standards and supporting educational participation among children since its inception. As part of this initiative, the government is focusing on integrating renewable energy sources in meal preparation to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment.

In addition to addressing nutritional needs, this shift will also support local economies by encouraging the use of locally sourced alternative fuel options, thus aligning with the governments broader objectives of promoting sustainable development and reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels.