The Indian government has granted a temporary extension for two flagship education schemes, Samagra Shiksha and Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM Poshan), until September 30, 2026. This decision, made by the Union Ministry of Finance, ensures the uninterrupted implementation of these programs while awaiting formal approval for their continuation for the next five years. Samagra Shiksha, which aims to universalize education from pre-school to Class 12, and PM Poshan, which provides cooked meals to children in government schools, were originally set to end on March 31, 2026. The Ministry of Education has instructed state governments and Union territories to prepare their annual work plans and budget proposals based on existing norms for the 2026-27 financial year. The central government has allocated ₹703 crore for the schemes, which includes provisions for free mid-day meals for over 1.2 lakh students in Bal Vatikas and 9.05 lakh in primary classes across 19,620 government schools. A review of pending civil works from previous years has also been mandated, with a focus on ensuring foundational learning reforms and availability of subject-specific teachers.