ISKCON to replace eggs with soyabean, rajma and paneer in Bengal school mid-day meals; Reports

Eggs will no longer be part of the mid-day meals served in government and aided schools in Kolkata after the West Bengal government decided to involve the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in providing cooked meals under the scheme. The development comes after the announcement made in the state Budget regarding ISKCON's role in school meal distribution, according to scroll.

As per scroll, the development follows the state government's decision to involve ISKCON in providing mid-day meals in schools under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area. The announcement was made during the presentation of the state Budget. ISKCON officials said the meals will remain nutritious despite the exclusion of eggs, adding that dietitians have been consulted while designing the menu.

Focus on alternative protein sources

According to the organisation, the revised menu will rely on plant-based and dairy-based protein options to meet the nutritional needs of students. Soyabean, rajma, paneer and different varieties of pulses are expected to be included in the meals. ISKCON has maintained that the new menu will continue to provide balanced nutrition and that children will receive wholesome, freshly prepared vegetarian food, according to scroll.

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The proposed change has attracted attention because eggs have long been a part of the mid-day meal menu in many government schools across the state. Under the existing system, students are typically served eggs on certain days of the week along with other cooked meals. With ISKCON taking charge of meal preparation in selected schools, the menu is set to follow a fully vegetarian format, as per scroll.

Opposition voices concern

As per scroll, the move has also sparked criticism from some political leaders, who argue that eggs are an important and affordable source of nutrition for children. The decision has triggered discussions on whether vegetarian alternatives can adequately replace eggs in school meals and how such changes could affect students' nutrition. The issue has once again brought attention to the mid-day meal scheme, which aims to provide nutritious food to schoolchildren while encouraging regular attendance.

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Alongside the announcement regarding ISKCON's involvement, the state government also indicated that funding for mid-day meals in primary schools would be increased, with the goal of improving the quality of food served to students.