Eggs back on midday meal menu? Bengal considers Odisha model amid ISKCON backlash

The political storm over eggs in West Bengal's school midday meals has taken a fresh turn, with the newly elected government led by Suvendu Adhikari considering an Odisha-inspired model to address concerns over student nutrition.

Under the proposal being examined, schools would receive additional funds to purchase eggs separately, while ISKCON, which has been entrusted with preparing and serving midday meals, would continue providing only vegetarian food.

The arrangement mirrors Odisha's system, where schools can procure eggs independently using government funds.

The move comes days after the state government announced that ISKCON would manage midday meals for students of Classes 1 to 8 in government-run schools in Kolkata.

The organisation's decision to exclude eggs and other non-vegetarian items from the menu triggered sharp criticism from the opposition, which argued that the change could deprive children of an affordable and vital source of protein.

State education officials are expected to meet on Wednesday to finalise the operational details of the revised midday meal plan.

The proposal follows the government's June 22 budget announcement outlining ISKCON's role in implementing the programme.

Defending the decision, BJP leader Amit Malviya said the criticism against ISKCON was politically motivated.

He maintained that the organisation has an established record of serving hygienic, nutritious meals across the country and highlighted its longstanding cultural presence in Bengal.

The opposition, however, has remained unconvinced. TMC leader Mahua Moitra argued that eggs provide high-quality protein that cannot be easily replaced, adding that many children rely on the school meal as their most nutritious meal of the day.

Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien also accused the BJP of attempting to impose vegetarianism through the revised menu.

Responding to the criticism, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the government's priority is to ensure students receive safe, hygienic and nutritious meals, while officials continue exploring ways to accommodate nutritional requirements within the new framework.