The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is out to oppose the idea of serving eggs to the children in mid-day meals in anganwadis.
Soon after the BJP has come to know that the State Government is considering introducing eggs in the mid-day meal offered to kids in anganwadis in the State, it has decided to launch a Statewide agitation.
Earlier, a similar step was taken by the Chhattisgarh Government, but with the Opposition by locals, the Government had backtracked from the decision of serving eggs to the kids.
Woman and Child Development Minister imarti Devi said that the inclusion of eggs in the diet would benefit health of kids aged from three to six years.
The proposal comes months after the same was implemented in mid day meal scheme run in government schools in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
Like it happened in Chhattisgarh, BJP does not seem to be impressed with the idea of putting eggs in mid day meal in Madhya Pradesh as well.
The proposal mooted by department of Woman and Child development plans to include kids aged 3 to 6 years in anganwadis in the proposed scheme.
Sources claimed that if kids in these age groups are fed eggs thrice a week, state exchequer would have to spend Rs 500 crore additionally on the project.
Speaking on the proposal, WCD Minister Imarti Devi claimed her department is considering introduction of eggs in Anganwadi menu. Egg Is nutritious food and kids being fed on this would be benefited health-wise. The minister further claimed that bananas and eggs are crucial for the kids. We are planning to introduce eggs in anganwadis across the state, said the Minister.
Surprisingly, previous government led by Shivraj Singh Chauhan had proposed a similar plan but following the protest from certain organisations, the state government had withdrawn its proposal.
Spokesperson of the State BJP Rajneesh Agrawal claimed that this plan stands with several questions. First of all what would happen to the kids who would not eat eggs. There are also kids from families who could feel uncomfortable if egg is their close to their food platter. Considering our food habits the state government should we consider this proposal, claimed the BJP leader.