Maharashtra government says won't fund eggs for midday meal

Maharashtra has decided to remove eggs and sugar from the midday meal menu for classes 1 to 8, following the pattern of other BJP-governed states. This move has been criticized by opposition members, who believe that the government's revised menu, which includes 'egg pulao' and nachni sattu, is not in the best interest of schoolchildren.

MUMBAI: With Maharashtra joining the list of BJP-governed states that have discontinued eggs in midday meals for classes 1 to 8, opposition strongly criticised the decision on Thursday. In a government resolution issued this week, the school education department revised the list of dishes provided in midday meals, removing provisions for eggs and sugar. Instead, it directed schools to offer 'egg pulao' and nachni sattu as optional dishes.

However, it said that these items, along with sugar for sweet dishes, should be arranged through public participation, with no additional government funding. An official defended the decision saying the state has modified the list to follow meal items specified by the Centre. The central govt, which provides 60% of the funds for midday meals, does not specify eggs in its list, but some states provide them using their own resources.

Recently, Madhya Pradesh and Goa had discontinued eggs after opposition from a section of people. Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray condemned the decision, questioning govt's priorities in replacing eggs and sugar with rice kheer and nachni sattu. He argued that govt does not serve the interests of the people, particularly schoolchildren.

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