Delhi government schools yet to implement revised PM-POSHAN menu, idli-sambar unavailable

Delhi government and government-aided schools have not yet implemented the revised weekly menu under the PM-POSHAN scheme, specifically the introduction of idli with sambar, more than two months after the Directorate of Education (DoE) issued an order for its adoption. The revised menu, which replaced several older items, was announced in August 2026, with agencies given a deadline of August 24, 2026, to operationalize idli-sambar.

Despite the DoE’s directive for schools and implementing agencies to make necessary arrangements, students are still being served meals from the previous menu. This non-implementation impacts a good chunk of students across Delhi, as the revised menu was intended to enhance the nutritional offerings and variety of meals provided under the scheme.

Delay in Idli-Sambar Introduction

The introduction of idli with sambar, a key component of the revised PM-POSHAN menu, has been particularly delayed. Agencies were initially given a maximum of two weeks from the DoE order in August to operationalize this dish, specifically by August 24, 2026. This grace period was provided due to the requirement for specific equipment, specialized ingredients, dedicated infrastructure, and trained manpower needed for its preparation.

A member of the Government School Principals’ Association confirmed the ongoing challenge, stating, “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.”

Current Meal Offerings and Menu Changes

Schools in Delhi are currently serving meals that adhere to the older menu. An SMC member from a government school noted, “The food being served in the school is still based on what the old menu. We have not seen the revised menu being implemented so far. Items such as aloo-puri, curry-rice, halwa and dalia continue to be served to students.”

The revised menu, recommended by the Meal Review Committee after assessing the existing menu, meal coverage, stakeholder feedback, and implementation experience, introduced several new dishes and replaced others. The DoE had clarified that agencies could serve different approved menu items in different schools on the same day, based on ingredient availability and logistical requirements, but mandated that all six days of the revised menu be followed in every school.

Logistical Challenges Cited

The non-implementation is largely attributed to the logistical complexities involved in introducing new dishes across numerous schools. An SMC member highlighted the challenges faced by catering agencies, explaining, “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.”

The Directorate of Education had directed zonal and district education officers to monitor compliance with the revised menu. However, the current situation indicates that the necessary infrastructure and arrangements are still pending, preventing the full rollout of the updated PM-POSHAN offerings.

Further reading

• Delhi schools shift online, colleges postpone exams amid Jantar Mantar protest security
• Karnataka Class 10 scholarships: Apply by September 30, 2026
• Class 10 scholarships 2026-27: NSP, SSP open for pre-matric schemes, apply by September 30

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.

View all posts →