Ahmedabad: Nearly 41 lakh students from pre-primary to Class 8 across more than 32,000 government schools in Gujarat receive nutritious breakfast daily under the Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana, launched last year to promote nutrition alongside education.

The scheme, part of the 'Suposhit Gujarat Mission' initiated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in 2024, complements the existing mid-day meal programme by providing a nutrition-rich breakfast before classes.

The rotating menu includes protein- and energy-rich traditional foods such as sukhdi, chana chaat, mixed lentils, and 'Shri Anna' — a millet mix known for its high protein content.

For the 2025-26 financial year, the state government allocated Rs 616.67 crore to the scheme, which has boosted school attendance and improved the physical and mental development of students.

“School students are now enjoying their breakfast. The menu is nutritious with special attention to protein and calories,” said Neha Gupta, Joint Commissioner of PM Poshan Yojna.

A primary school head teacher in Ahmedabad, Rajendra Prajapati, said, “As soon as children arrive at school in the morning, they receive a protein-rich breakfast under this scheme.”