Delhi government schools miss idli-sambar deadline, old PM-POSHAN menu continues

Delhi government schools and government-aided schools are continuing to serve meals from their older menu under the PM-POSHAN scheme, failing to start using a revised menu that was announced in August 2026. The new menu, which included idli-sambar, was directed to be operationalised by implementing agencies no later than August 24, 2026.

The delay comes despite an order from the Directorate of Education (DoE) in August 2026, which aimed to improve nutrition and make school meals more appealing to children based on recommendations from the Meal Review Committee. The PM-POSHAN scheme is a central government program providing cooked meals to children in government schools and other approved institutions, mandating at least 450 calories and 12 grams of protein daily for primary school children.

Revised Menu Remains Unimplemented

As of October 19, 2026, students in Delhi government schools are still receiving meals according to the previous menu. A School Management Committee (SMC) member confirmed that items like aloo-puri, curry-rice, halwa, and dalia are still being served. This is in contrast to the DoE’s directive for schools and implementing agencies to make necessary arrangements for the revised menu, with idli-sambar specifically slated for introduction within two weeks of the August announcement.

The revised weekly menu, as outlined by the DoE, was intended to replace certain items. For instance, ragi halwa was to be replaced with wheat flour and chana masala, and vegetable dalia with jowar and bajra. The DoE had also clarified that agencies could serve different approved menu items in different schools on the same day, depending on ingredient availability and logistical requirements, but emphasized that all six days of the revised menu were required to be followed in every school.

Challenges in Introducing New Dishes

The primary reason cited for the delay in implementing the revised menu, particularly idli-sambar, is a lack of necessary infrastructure and equipment. A member of the Government School Principals’ Association stated, “Idli-sambar has not been introduced in our schools so far. The preparation requires specific equipment and the kitchens do not have the necessary arrangements in place yet. Until these facilities are available, it will be difficult for schools to serve the dish as part of the regular meal.”

Empanelled NGOs and centralised kitchen agencies were initially given a maximum of two weeks to operationalise idli-sambar due to the need for specific equipment, specialised ingredients, dedicated infrastructure, and trained manpower. An SMC member highlighted the logistical complexities, stating, “Suppose an agency is catering to 10 schools with around 800 students in total. Introducing a new item is not simply a matter of changing the menu on paper. The agency has to arrange the required equipment and ingredients, plan the preparation and ensure that meals reach all the schools on time. Such changes need coordination and is a bit challenging.” Zonal and district education officers were directed to monitor compliance with the new menu.

Comparison with MCD’s Upcoming Menu Revisions

While Delhi government schools face delays, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is planning its own significant revisions to its mid-day meal menu. From November 2026, the MCD intends to add oats cookies, seasonal fruits, kheer, and sambar rice to its menu in nearly 1,500 schools. The MCD’s updated menu will include at least ‘one special item’ in the regular meal every day, while retaining old menu items like puri-aloo, dal-rice, chole-rice, rajma-rice, and kadhi-rice, with wheat and ragi halwa available twice a week.

The MCD is preparing for these changes by onboarding 13 new kitchen agencies after inspections of shortlisted kitchens. Food from MCD agencies is tested using five third-party laboratories, with four samples taken monthly from each agency – three from served food and one from the kitchen itself. This contrasts with the current situation in Delhi government schools where the revised menu, including the table below, remains largely on paper.

Further reading

• Delhi government schools yet to implement revised PM-POSHAN menu, idli-sambar unavailable
• UP Board extends deadline to October 22 for 5,905 schools to generate Class 9, 11 student lists
• Delhi schools shift online, colleges postpone exams amid Jantar Mantar protest security

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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