West Bengal Govt to include eggs in school mid-day meals

The Bengal Government has decided to introduce eggs, slightly amending its earlier decision to serve “Satvik” midday meals in Government schools in Kolkata through the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

While ISKCON, a purely vegetarian institution, will provide only the cooked meals, the State Government will get the eggs served through other NGOs.

The State Government decision comes following criticism from certain sections over discontinuing eggs — a key source of protein — in midday meals, which was a normal practice.

Referring to the new development, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said, “From August 1, a pilot project will be launched in most schools in Kolkata… Iskcon will provide pure satvik, protein-rich meals... In addition, eggs will be distributed separately through self-help groups so that children can receive a protein-rich food.”

The decision reportedly comes close on the heels of a social media video where a Class II girl was seen sneaking an egg provided in the midday meal into her pocket. When questioned about what she was doping she told the teachers that she wanted to take the egg back home for her infant brother, who too loved eggs.

Earlier, the Opposition parties had opposed the Government decision to introduce ISKCON-made foods “in a bid to change the food habits of the children… not only fiddling with local culture but also depriving the young children of a rich source of protein… as also robbing the school sevikas of their jobs to prepare meals.”