The Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued a circular directing all government and aided schools to include eggs in the mid-day meal scheme, now known as the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme.
The circular said eggs contain protein, calories, iron, calcium and will help children grow better and improve their immunity.
Students from classes 1 to 8 will be served an egg – boiled or egg biryani or egg pulav – either on a Wednesday or a Friday. Vegetarian students will be served a banana or a local seasonal fruit. The egg or banana will be in addition to existing food like dal khichdi or millets, served to students during lunch time.
The circular also mentioned that the ministry of agriculture had recommended eggs for lunch to help benefit both students and poultry farmers.
The decision will come into effect in the ongoing academic year.
“We have introduced eggs and bananas in midday meals, considering their nutritional value. A new menu, including sweet dish options, is also finalised for mid-day meals served in government schools across the state,” Maharashtra School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar said.
This is the first-time eggs and fruits are introduced in the midday meal scheme in the state.
