Maha withdraws funding for eggs, sugar for midday meal

Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced it will be discontinuing funding for eggs and sugar for the midday meal programmes for its government-run schools.

- Niraj Pandit

MUMBAI:

In November 2023, the state government, in a bid to overcome protein deficiency among students, had introduced one egg per week for each student beneficiary of the midday meal scheme. Students who did not want eggs could opt for fruit instead. Each student was allocated an additional budget of ₹5 for one egg.

However, following protests from right-wing groups, the policy was modified. Schools were instructed not to serve eggs where at least 40% of parents opposed them. Schools receiving meals from non-governmental organisations such as Akshaya Patra were excluded from the egg provision.

Tuesday's government resolution also says that should school management committees (SMCs) insist on providing their students with eggs they will have to generate resources through contributions by the public.

"Egg Pulao and sweet dishes such as rice-kheer and Nachani Satva remain optional, but schools must arrange funds for sugar and eggs through public contributions," reads the GR.

The state spent ₹50 crore annually on giving 24 lakh school children one egg per week, said a government official who did not wish to be named. The revised meal plan now consists of ten different dishes that can be prepared using the existing funds allocated for raw materials.