PM POSHAN Zonal cooking competition held in Poonch

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31 Dec 2025

Poonch, Dec 30: A Zonal Level Cooking Competition under the PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) Scheme was organised at Government Middle School, Kulani, in the Sathra Education Zone of Tehsil Mandi, District Poonch on Tuesday with enthusiastic participation from cooks-cum-helpers and education officials.

The programme was held under the supervision of Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Sathra, Noorain Fatima, and was inaugurated by Chief Education Officer (CEO) Poonch, Mukhtar Manhas, in the presence of the Chief Guest, In-charge Tehsildar Mandi, Palvi Verma. Other dignitaries present included Tehsil Social Welfare Officer Mandi, Azam Rather; HOD DIET Poonch, Imtiaz Banday; Principal HSSB Mandi, Anwar Khan; Heads of Institutions and PM POSHAN officials.

Addressing the gathering, CEO Poonch Mukhtar Manhas appreciated the role of cooks-cum-helpers in the effective implementation of the PM POSHAN Scheme and said that such competitions help in improving standards of nutrition, hygiene and food safety, which are essential for children’s physical and mental development. He also emphasized the need to replicate such initiatives in other education zones.

ZEO Sathra Noorain Fatima said the competition was aimed at enhancing cooking skills, promoting cleanliness and hygiene, encouraging innovation and acknowledging the valuable services of cooks-cum-helpers associated with the PM POSHAN Scheme.

A total of 128 cooks-cum-helpers from Primary to Higher Secondary schools of Sathra Zone participated in the competition. The dishes prepared by the participants were evaluated by a panel of expert judges on parameters including nutritional value, taste, hygiene and presentation.

The results declared were: First Prize – Middle School Sheikhan, Fatehpur; Second Prize – Middle School Kallar, Fatehpur; and Third Prize – Middle School Kulani. The winning schools were awarded cash prizes along with appreciation certificates, while all participating cooks-cum-helpers were also awarded certificates of appreciation in recognition of their dedication and contribution.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks, with speakers terming the competition a model initiative for strengthening the PM POSHAN Scheme and improving the quality of school meals in the district.

The programme was organized under the overall supervision of Senior Assistant Mushtaq Hussain Betab, with effective coordination by Sajjad Hussain Shah (ZNO), Irfan Ahmed Khan (ZNO) and Rehan Pervaiz (ZNO). The proceedings were smoothly conducted by Irfan Ali, Teacher, GMS Kalsan, and M. Nayaz Kirmani, who served as Stage Secretaries.