Maharashtra: Dy CM firm on no eggs, govt looking at ‘veggie protein’

We are exploring vegetarian alternatives to eggs and ensuring adequate protein intake in midday meals at schools," stated Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at an event in Thane on Sunday evening. The statement has reignited the debate over serving eggs to children as part of the scheme. Fadnavis was talking on Sunday at Dharmadesh 2024, a two-day national conclave organised in Uttan by the Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti (ABSS), a body of Hindu religious leaders.

Addressing those present at the event Fadnavis said (in Hindi), "We have been constantly getting feedback from religious groups and spiritual leaders that we should not add eggs or other such things in midday meals. I have already spoken to our people about this, especially the chief minister and school education minister and have requested them to find an alternative. Protein intake in midday meals is important but even in vegetarian food, we have many options. We will look at how eggs can be replaced with vegetarian protein-rich food. We have taken this matter very seriously, as has our chief minister. Therefore, we will definitely make the necessary changes."

Changes to notification

Last month, mid-day reported on changes made by the state government to its previous notification, under pressure from religious organisations, pertaining to the introduction of eggs in midday meals. A GR issued on January 24 stipulated that eggs would not be included in midday meals if 40 per cent of parents/students at a school do not consent to consuming them. It also specifies that schools receiving meals from Akshaya Patra and Annamrita Foundation, charities affiliated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which provide food at nominal rates, will be exempted from serving eggs.

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Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis at the conclave in Uttan, Thane

The changes were reportedly made after religious organisations and members of the BJP's spiritual cell opposed the government's move. To step up the scheme - officially known as Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) - in Maharashtra, the state government had decided to serve nutrition-packed food to around two crore students in government-run schools. It was decided that instead of khichdi, the students would be served egg pulao and biryani, sweets, vegetables and fruits. This was the first time in 20 years that the school education department had decided to reintroduce eggs to the midday meal menu. Students following a vegetarian diet were to be served bananas (or local seasonal fruit) instead.

However, on January 5, a presentation was given to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar by the trustees and members of SMJSS. Following this, the state government made amendments to the mid-day meal notification issued on November 7 and a fresh GR was issued on January 24.

Experts' reactions

Paediatrician Dr Hema Yadav stated, "A single egg can readily fulfil a child's daily protein requirements, whereas expecting children to consume a large bowl of sprouts poses practical challenges." Nutritionist Ujjwala Baxi, on the other hand, said that some vegetarian alternatives are feasible. She said, "Sattu laddoos are packed with easy-to digest-proteins, iron, calcium and a plethora of other nutrients. They are calorie dense and affordable. Other choices can be sattu in chaas or dahi."

The school education department had decided to reintroduce eggs to the midday meal menu for the first time in 20 years. Representation Pic

A headmistress at a government school in Thane criticised this decision as being driven by religion. "We must remember that schools accommodate students from various religions, each with its own cultural practices and dietary preferences. Is it fair to impose the consumption of eggs on 40 per cent of students if the remaining 60 per cent consent to it? It wouldn't be right. Similarly, forcing 60 per cent of pupils to accept the food choices made by the remaining 40 per cent of not eating eggs - how is that fair? Why is the government making policy and welfare scheme decisions based on spiritual leaders' feedback and demands? Why can't we rely on scientific findings and the views of experts and doctors?" the headmistress asked.

Suvarna Bapat, a school counsellor and parent of a nine-year-old boy, said, "My son prefers vegetarian food despite my husband and I being non-vegetarian. We have never pressured him to eat non-vegetarian food because we believe in teaching him to respect others' food choices. Many of his close friends are non-vegetarian, and my son is perfectly comfortable with this. However, the government's decision, influenced by certain religious groups, may breed intolerance among children I feel. Those who choose to be vegetarian should be respected, and we should not discriminate against those who prefer non-vegetarian food."

Jan 5
Day a presentation was given to CM