How are Rural Women in Damoh Benefiting from the PM POSHAN Scheme?
Synopsis
Discover how the PM POSHAN scheme is transforming the lives of rural women in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh. With over 3,800 women employed through self-help groups, this initiative not only provides nutritious meals for children but also fosters women's empowerment and self-reliance in local communities.
Key Takeaways
PM POSHAN aims to provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren.
Over 3,800 women in Damoh are employed as cooks.
The scheme promotes women's empowerment and self-reliance.
More than 1500 self-help groups are active in the district.
Local employment opportunities are helping to keep families together.
Bhopal, Jan 7 (NationPress) The PM POSHAN initiative, a significant program from the central government under the Ministry of Education, was introduced to offer hot, cooked meals to children enrolled in both government and government-aided schools throughout the nation, with the aim of reaching all eligible children from economically weaker backgrounds.
This initiative addresses both hunger and education while enhancing the nutritional status of these children, stipulating that at least one serving of hot meals must be provided in primary schools for students in classes 1 through 8.
The program not only boosts children's health but also promotes women's empowerment by creating job opportunities for them.
In the Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh, a remarkable narrative of women's empowerment is emerging as numerous employment opportunities are being generated for local women, leading them towards self-sufficiency.
Over 1500 self-help groups (SHGs) are active in the district, employing around 3,800 women, who are now working as cooks in various government-run and government-aided schools.
In a government school located in Sahajpur within the Tendukheda development block, women from the Lakshmi Self-Help Group have consistently provided clean, nutritious, and timely meals for the students.
Several women cooks shared their transformative experiences with IANS.
Premrani Gond stated, “I have been preparing and serving meals to children at this school for the past 35 years. Initially, we earned Rs 400 per month, but our income has now increased to Rs 4000 per month. This has significantly improved our financial situation. I am deeply thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
Another cook, Shobha Rani Tehanguria, mentioned, “Since the SHGs received the contract, we no longer need to seek work outside our village. We are now employed right here at home.”
Sunita Gond expressed to IANS that she and other villagers are reaping the benefits of PM POSHAN.
“People previously migrated to other cities in search of work. However, now women are securing employment within the village, which has empowered us and brought joy to our homes,” she remarked.
Point of View
The PM POSHAN scheme exemplifies a successful government initiative that not only addresses nutritional needs but also champions women's empowerment. This dual approach can significantly impact rural communities, ensuring sustainable development and self-sufficiency.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PM POSHAN scheme?
The PM POSHAN scheme is a central government initiative aimed at providing hot cooked meals to children in government and government-aided schools across India.
How many women are employed under this scheme in Damoh?
In Damoh, approximately 3,800 women are employed as cooks in various government-run and aided schools through self-help groups.
What benefits does this scheme provide?
The scheme enhances children's nutrition, promotes education, and empowers local women by providing them with stable employment opportunities.
How does the scheme impact women's lives?
The PM POSHAN scheme allows women to find employment within their villages, improving their financial situations and fostering independence.
Who can benefit from the PM POSHAN scheme?
All eligible children from economically weaker backgrounds attending government and aided schools can benefit from the hot meals provided under this scheme.
