New Delhi, Dec. 18 -- The number of schools covered under the Centre's flagship PM Poshan (formerly Mid-Day Meal) scheme has declined steadily from 11.19 lakh in 2020-21 to 10.35 lakh in 2024-25 - a net reduction of 84,453 schools, or about 7.5% over five years - according to data shared by the Union education ministry in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM Poshan) scheme, a centrally sponsored programme implemented with states and Union Territories (UTs), provides one hot cooked meal to children in Bal Vatika (pre-Class 1) and Classes 1 to 8 of government and government-aided schools across the country.

Data presented by minister of state for education Jayant Chaudhary, in response to AAP MP Sanjay...