03/01/2026
*PRESS RELEASE*
*Department of School Education β Zone Balakote*
Reported by: *Mohd Shokit Khan*
From School Kitchens to Excellence: *PM POSHAN Zonal Cooking Competition Shines* at Zone Balakote
Balakote, *3rd January 2026*:
The Zonal Level Cooking Competition under the *PM POSHAN* (Mid-Day Meal) Scheme was successfully organized today at the Zone Headquarter, *HSS Dhargloon*, and concluded with remarkable success and widespread appreciation. The event marked a proud milestone for the School Education Department, *Zone Balakote*, reflecting its continued commitment to quality nutrition and welfare of school children.
The prestigious programme was formally inaugurated by the *Worthy Principals of HSS Dhargloon*, *HSS Bhatadurian, and HSS Behrooti*, in the gracious presence of *Ms. Nishat Akhter*, Zonal Education Officer (ZEO), Balakote, who presided over the event.
The dignitaries lauded the initiative as a progressive step towards enhancing nutritional quality, hygiene standards, and operational efficiency in school meal services under the *PM POSHAN* Scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, *Ms. Shahida Tabassum, Teacher GMS Dhargloon* and (Chief Guest), along with the *expert panel of judges comprising Worthy Principals Janab Abdul Razaq Khan, Janab Sarfraz Ahmad, and Mr. Syed Natiq Hussain Jaffari*, appreciated the dedicated role of *Cooks-cum-Helpers* in the successful implementation of the *PM POSHAN Scheme*.
They emphasized that such competitions not only recognize the sincere efforts of cooks but also motivate them to maintain high standards of *nutrition, hygiene, and food safety*, which are essential for the physical and cognitive development of school children. The event was termed a model initiative worthy of replication across other zones.
*The speakers also emphasized the importance of inter-departmental coordination in strengthening social welfare schemes and highlighted the vital role of PM POSHAN in ensuring nutritional security and social equity*.
Appreciation was extended to the cooks for their unwavering commitment to serving wholesome meals to students on a daily basis.
Addressing the gathering, *Ms. Nishat Akhter, ZEO Balakote, elaborated on the objectives of the programme, stating that the competition was organized to enhance cooking skills, promote hygienic practices, encourage innovation, and acknowledge the invaluable services rendered by Cooks-cum-Helpers*. She expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic participation and reaffirmed the departmentβs commitment to continuous improvement in the quality of meals served under the PM POSHAN Scheme.
The programme was further enriched by the presence of the *Worthy ZEO Madam and Principals of HSS Dhargloon, HSS Bhatadurian, and HSS Behrooti*, who inspected the dishes prepared and displayed by the participants and appreciated their skill, dedication, and adherence to food safety norms.
*A total of 172 Cooks-cum-Helpers, along with ICs PM POSHAN and Heads of Institutions from Government Schools ranging from Primary to Higher Secondary level in Zone Balakote*, actively participated in the competition. The participants showcased exceptional culinary skills while maintaining high standards of *nutrition, hygiene, innovation, and presentation, truly reflecting the spirit of the PM POSHAN Scheme*.
The competition was *adjudged by a panel of experienced and expert judges on the basis of nutritional value, taste, hygiene, food safety, and presentation*.
01:-Prize Winners:
First Prize: *MPS Hissab Wali* β βΉ1000/-
02:-Second Prize: *GPS Chaklian* β βΉ500/-
03:-Third Prize: *GMS Jabbran Manjhari* β βΉ500/-
*All participating cooks were awarded Appreciation Certificates in recognition of their invaluable* contribution to the success of the programme and their commitment to child nutrition and well-being.
The event was organized under the able guidance and supervision of Senior Assistant *Mr. Mohd Arif Khan*, Junior Assistant *Mr. Mohammad Hussain*, and *Mr. Yassar Jatt*, with *Mr. Mohd Shokit Khan* (Zonal Nodal Officer), *Mr. Mohd Ibrahim Khan* (ZNO), and Mr. *Mohd Kaleem Khan* (Organising Committee) playing a crucial role in planning, coordination, and successful ex*****on of the programme.
The proceedings were efficiently conducted by *Mr. Rahoof Azam*, Teacher GMS Jabbran Manjhari, and *Mr. Mohd Shokit Khan*, who performed the duties of Stage Secretaries, ensuring smooth conduct throughout the event.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks to the Worthy ZEO Madam, dignitaries, organizing committee members, officials, and the dedicated Cooks-cum-Helpers, whose collective efforts ensured the grand success of this landmark initiative.
The Zonal Level Cooking Competition has been widely hailed as a model initiative, reinforcing the commitment of the *School Education Department towards quality nutrition, dignity of labour, and holistic well-being of school children under the PM POSHAN Scheme*.
