ISKCON to Serve 'Satvik' Meals in Kolkata Schools; Eggs to Be Provided Separately
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- ISKCON will provide 'satvik' (pure vegetarian) mid-day meals in government and government-aided schools in Kolkata starting August 1 as part of a pilot project.
- The West Bengal government will separately provide eggs to students, addressing concerns about the imposition of vegetarian diets.
- The government also announced financial assistance of over โน296 crore for 80,375 state-run schools.
The West Bengal government has announced a new initiative where the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will manage the provision of mid-day meals in Kolkata's government and government-aided schools. This pilot project is set to commence on August 1.
A pilot project will be launched from August 1 in which ISKCON will provide pure, satvik and protein-rich food in mid-day meals in schools in a large part of Kolkata. Eggs will be separately served in the mid-day meal by Self Help Groups (SHGs).
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari clarified that while ISKCON will supply pure, satvik, and protein-rich meals, the government will ensure eggs are served separately to students. This decision aims to quell concerns raised by the opposition, who had alleged that the state government was attempting to impose vegetarian diets on students.
"A pilot project will be launched from August 1 in which ISKCON will provide pure, satvik and protein-rich food in mid-day meals in schools in a large part of Kolkata. Eggs will be separately served in the mid-day meal by Self Help Groups (SHGs)," Adhikari stated.
We had asked for eggs not to be removed from mid-day meals for children in Bengal. Then came the big talk. Today, eggs are back announced the CM.
In addition to the mid-day meal program, the government also distributed over โน296 crore in financial aid to 80,375 state-run schools during an event at the state secretariat. This move underscores the government's commitment to improving educational infrastructure and student welfare.
We will serve eggs once or twice a week.
Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.