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WB PM POSHAN Cooking Cost Raises:Â The per-capita allocation for pre-primary and primary students under the West Bengal government’s PM POSHAN scheme has been increased to Rs.10.
The Government of West Bengal has announced a significant increase in the cooking cost under the PM POSHAN Scheme for students studying in Bal Vatika (Pre-Primary) and Primary classes in government and government-aided schools. The decision is expected to improve the quality of meals served to young children across the state.
According to an official order issued by the School Education Department on 13 July 2026, the total cooking cost per student per day has been increased from Rs.6.78 to ₹10.00. The revised rate will come into effect from 1 August 2026.
West Bengal Enhances PM POSHAN Cooking Cost
The order, issued from Bikash Bhavan by the School Education Department, states that the existing material cost under the Government of India’s PM POSHAN Scheme was Rs.6.78 per student per day for Bal Vatika (Pre-Primary) and Primary students.
During the West Bengal Budget for FY 2026-27, the State Finance Minister announced that this amount would be increased to Rs.10 per student per day.
To implement this announcement, the state government has now approved an additional state contribution of Rs.3.22 per student per day, bridging the gap between the Central allocation and the revised amount.
New PM POSHAN Cooking Cost
| Particulars | Amount |
| Existing cooking cost | Rs.6.78 per student/day |
| Additional State Share | Rs.3.22 per student/day |
| Revised Total Cooking Cost | Rs.10.00 per student/day |
| Effective Date | 1 August 2026 |
WB PM POSHAN Cooking Cost: Who Will Benefit?
The revised cooking cost will be applicable to students studying in:
- Bal Vatika (Pre-Primary)
- Primary Schools (Classes I to V)
- Government Schools
- Government-Aided Schools
- Government-Sponsored Schools across West Bengal
Thousands of schools and lakhs of children receiving meals under the PM POSHAN programme are expected to benefit from the increased allocation.
Official Website: https://pmposhan.wb.gov.in/
Why Has the Amount Been Increased?
The cost of food items such as rice, pulses, vegetables, edible oil, spices and fuel has risen considerably over the past few years. The previous allocation of Rs.6.78 had become insufficient for preparing nutritious cooked meals.
With the revised allocation of Rs.10 per child per day, schools are expected to have greater flexibility in maintaining meal quality while ensuring better nutrition for students.
Effective from August 1, 2026
The official notification clearly mentions that the enhanced cooking cost will be implemented from 1 August 2026. The Finance Department has also given its concurrence for the additional expenditure from the state’s share.
Key Highlights
- West Bengal increases PM POSHAN cooking cost to Rs.10 per student per day.
- Earlier allocation was Rs.6.78 per student.
- The state government will provide an additional Rs.3.22 per student per day.
- Applicable for Bal Vatika (Pre-Primary) and Primary students.
- Covers Government, Government-Aided, and Government-Sponsored schools.
- The new rate comes into force from 1 August 2026.
- Decision announced through the School Education Department order dated 13 July 2026.
What This Means for Schools and Students
The enhancement in cooking cost is expected to support schools in providing healthier and more balanced meals to young students under the PM POSHAN Scheme. Better funding can help schools manage rising food prices while maintaining the nutritional standards of the programme.
With the revised rate taking effect from August, school authorities are likely to receive updated implementation guidelines for disbursing the enhanced cooking cost.
