Idli-Sambar, Jowar and Bajra Join Revised PM-POSHAN Menu in Delhi Schools

Idli-sambar will soon join the PM-POSHAN menu in Delhi government and government-aided schools as the Directorate of Education introduces a revised six-day meal plan aimed at greater dietary variety.

The schedule will offer poori with black chana gravy and vegetables on Day 1, idli-sambar on Day 2, rice with chhole and vegetables on Day 3, poori with chhole and vegetables on Day 4, rice with dal on Day 5 and rice with kadhi on Day 6.

The changes replace ragi halwa with wheat flour and chana masala, while vegetable daliya will give way to jowar and bajra. The Meal Review Committee recommended the revisions after reviewing the existing menu, meal coverage, stakeholder feedback and implementation experience.

Under PM-POSHAN norms, primary-school meals must provide 450 calories and 12 grams of protein, while upper-primary meals must provide 700 calories and 20 grams of protein. Prescribed quantities include cereals, pulses, vegetables and oil or fat. Idli-sambar combines cereals, pulses and vegetables, while chana, dal, kadhi and black chana add protein across the week. Jowar and bajra add dietary diversity.

The government has not publicly released nutrient calculations for each revised dish. Compliance will depend on portion sizes, recipes and actual preparation, rather than names alone.

Implementation will be closely monitored. Most changes take effect immediately, while agencies have until August 24 to operationalise idli-sambar. Idli-sambar requires specialised equipment, ingredients, infrastructure and trained staff.

Empanelled NGOs and centralised kitchens must follow all six menu days, though approved items may differ between schools because of logistics. Agencies must meet PM-POSHAN nutrition norms, FSSAI food-safety standards and Directorate quality requirements.

Zonal and district education officers will verify compliance through inspections and random sampling. Agencies must submit compliance reports within three days, followed by field verification. Violations of menu, timelines or quality standards may invite action under empanelment agreements and rules.

The committee provides the main documented stakeholder input so far. Independent expert reactions specifically to Delhi’s revised menu remain limited in publicly reported material.