India, Nov. 14 -- HT Correspondent

letterschd@hindustantimes.com

Chandigarh : The Union ministry of education (MoE) has released Rs.46 crore to the Punjab government for providing midday meals to students of government schools in the state under the Pradhan Mantri Shakti Nirman Scheme (PM POSHAN).

The second instalment of recurring central assistance includes Rs.34.45 crore for material cost and Rs.6.51 crore for payment of honorarium to cooks-cum-helpers for free, cooked meals to children of Bal Vatikas and elementary classes (grades 1 to 8). Since PM POSHAN is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented on a 60:40 fund sharing basis, the state government has to release its matching contribution of Rs.27.3 crore.

According to the minist...