The Government of Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has launched the CM Punjab School Nutrition Program Phase 2 (2025) — a groundbreaking step toward improving children’s health and education. Through this initiative, more than 400,000 students across government schools in Punjab will receive free nutritious milk daily, ensuring that no child is left behind due to malnutrition.
This program is part of the government’s broader commitment to child welfare, food security, and educational growth, especially for families struggling under rising inflation.
Purpose of the CM Punjab School Nutrition Program
The School Nutrition Program 2025 aims to fight malnutrition and food insecurity among primary school children while promoting regular school attendance. With free milk distribution across public schools, the government hopes to:
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Support healthy physical and mental growth of children.
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Encourage parents to keep their children in school.
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Reduce absenteeism and dropout rates.
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Build a generation that is healthier, stronger, and more confident.
According to UNICEF and national reports, over 40% of children under five in Pakistan face stunted growth due to poor nutrition — making this initiative timely and essential.
Key Features of the CM Punjab School Nutrition Program Phase 2
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Beneficiaries | 400,000+ primary school children in Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh & D.G. Khan |
| Daily Milk Packs | One nutritious milk pack distributed to every student each school day |
| Sustainability | 1.3 crore milk bags recycled monthly under the Green Punjab Policy |
| Expansion Plan | Program to extend to all Punjab districts by late 2025 |
| Budget Allocation | Dedicated funds in education and health budgets to ensure continuity |
The program not only targets child nutrition but also supports environmental sustainability by promoting recycling and reducing plastic waste.
Benefits of the Punjab School Nutrition Program 2025
This initiative goes beyond providing free milk — it’s a holistic welfare effort to improve health, education, and the environment.
1. Improved Nutrition & Health
Milk is a rich source of calcium, vitamins, and protein, essential for children’s growth and immunity. Regular intake can help reduce anemia, bone issues, and stunted growth among young students.
2. Higher School Enrollment
When schools offer nutritional support, parents are more likely to enroll their children. Globally, similar programs have increased school attendance by 15–20%, especially in low-income areas.
3. Better Academic Performance
Healthy children learn better. Students who receive regular nutrition show improved focus, memory, and classroom performance, leading to higher grades and confidence.
4. Environmental Impact
The program supports the Green Punjab Policy, ensuring used milk packaging is recycled into eco-friendly materials — creating green jobs and reducing pollution.
5. Long-Term Social Benefits
By improving nutrition today, Punjab is investing in a stronger, smarter, and healthier generation that can drive future economic growth.
How to Benefit – No Registration Required
Parents do not need to apply individually for this program. It’s being directly implemented in government primary schools of the selected districts.
Process Overview:
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Automatic Enrollment: Every student enrolled in a public primary school automatically qualifies.
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School Distribution: Milk packs are delivered daily to schools for supervised distribution.
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Monitoring System: Government teams monitor quality, fairness, and hygiene at every step.
Future updates about program expansion will be shared via the Punjab Education Department’s official website and school notice boards.
Challenges & Government Response
While the initiative has received widespread appreciation, certain challenges remain:
| Challenge | Government Response |
|---|---|
| Ensuring milk freshness in remote areas | Cold chain logistics and daily deliveries introduced |
| Maintaining fair distribution | Third-party monitoring and NGO partnerships |
| Expanding to all 36 districts | Gradual rollout with added funding |
| Preventing packaging waste | Large-scale recycling under the Green Punjab initiative |
Future Expansion Plans
The Punjab Government has confirmed that after successful implementation in Rajanpur, Muzaffargarh, and D.G. Khan, the program will be expanded to:
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Southern Punjab (Bahawalpur, Lodhran, Multan)
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Central Punjab (Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha)
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Northern Punjab (Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Jhelum)
Future phases may also include:
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Fortified milk enriched with vitamins and iron.
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Healthy snacks such as biscuits or protein bars.
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School kitchen gardens for teaching sustainable food practices.
Expert Opinions
Education and health experts have praised the CM Punjab School Nutrition Program Phase 2 as a model policy for Pakistan’s future.
“This is not just a milk distribution plan — it’s a long-term investment in human capital,” said a senior UNICEF nutrition advisor.
“Healthy students mean better learning outcomes, stronger communities, and reduced healthcare costs.”
Conclusion
The CM Punjab School Nutrition Program Phase 2 (2025) is a visionary step by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif to build a healthier, more educated Punjab. By providing free milk to 400,000 children, the government is nourishing both bodies and futures.
This program symbolizes compassion, progress, and sustainability, showing how thoughtful policy can change lives — one child at a time.