Eggs back in India school meals after outcry

West Bengal, India, will reintroduce eggs into its free school meal program following widespread criticism of a recent decision to replace them with vegetarian alternatives. The reversal comes after teachers, nutritionists, and parents argued that removing eggs would deprive children from impoverished families of a crucial protein source.

The controversy began in June when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, which recently gained power in the state, removed eggs from meals in some state-run schools. A Hindu religious charity was then enlisted to provide vegetarian food instead. This move ignited a long-standing debate in India about food, religion, and dietary practices, with critics accusing the government of attempting to impose vegetarianism on schoolchildren.

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The state government will supply boiled eggs separately to these schools by engaging self-help groups from Aug 1.

On July 29, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that eggs would be supplied to schoolchildren again starting August 1. Under the new arrangement, eggs will be distributed separately through women's welfare groups, while the charity will continue to provide vegetarian meals. Adhikari stated that the decision to reintroduce eggs was made after "some guardians requested the government to ensure that eggs were included in the meals."

While the BJP often advocates for vegetarianism as part of its nationalist agenda, most Hindus consume meat and fish. Eggs, considered non-vegetarian by many Hindus, are also widely consumed. Educators and nutrition experts had previously highlighted the importance of eggs in improving both the nutritional intake and school attendance rates among children from low-income families. India's extensive free school lunch program is recognized globally for its role in boosting enrollment and combating malnutrition and stunting among children.

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Some guardians requested the government to ensure that eggs were included in the meals.