CM Punjab School Meal Program – Full Details & Latest Updates
The Chief Minister Punjab School Meal Program, led by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is a groundbreaking initiative launched in September 2024. This program aims to improve the health, nutrition, and school attendance of primary students by providing free daily meals, especially milk, in government schools across Punjab.:
What the Program Offers
- The program provides 175ml milk packs daily to young students enrolled in primary classes.
- It is currently active in three districts: Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Muzaffargarh.
- The initiative targets more than 400,000 students across 3,527 government schools in these areas.
Achievements So Far
- After the program’s launch, school enrollment jumped from 361,050 to 416,247 students — an increase of over 55,000 students.
- Around 40 million milk packs have already been distributed among the children.
- The Punjab government managed to save Rs. 1.78 billion during the first phase through a transparent and efficient procurement process.
- Health checkups of 10,000 children were carried out, and 700 students were found to be severely malnourished — immediate action was taken to support them.
Future Plans – Program Expansion
- Due to the successful impact, the government plans to expand this program to other underserved and remote districts of South Punjab.
- The goal is to ensure that more children, especially in poor areas, receive proper nutrition and regular meals in schools.
Eco-Friendly Approach – Recycling for Progress
- Children are encouraged to return their empty milk packs for recycling.
- The money earned from recycling will be used to improve school facilities and promote environmental responsibility among students.
Nutrition Awareness in Education
- The Punjab government also intends to introduce basic nutrition education in the school curriculum.
- This will help children understand the value of healthy eating and maintaining a balanced diet.
Support from Government Bodies and Community
- Government departments like the Punjab Food Authority have contributed to the program. For example, their staff donated lunch boxes from their own salaries to support the initiative.
- Special committees are formed in schools to regularly monitor and ensure the smooth operation of the program.
Conclusion
The CM Punjab School Meal Program is not just a meal distribution drive — it’s a visionary effort to fight malnutrition, improve student health, and increase school attendance. Through this initiative, the Punjab government is working to create a healthier, smarter, and more aware young generation in the province.
