Eggs Back on the Menu: West Bengal Schools to Get Boiled Eggs Alongside ISKCON Meals

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday clarified that students in government, aided, and sponsored schools will continue to receive eggs as part of their mid-day meals, reversing concerns over a previously announced all-vegetarian menu.

Speaking at a press conference at the state secretariat Nabanna, Banerjee said that while ISKCON will provide vegetarian mid-day meals, the state government will arrange for self-help groups (SHGs) to supply boiled eggs separately. The new arrangement will take effect from August 1.

"Starting August 1, ISKCON will distribute mid-day meals across a large area of Kolkata as part of a pilot project. ISKCON will serve vegetarian protein-rich meals. Additionally, we are arranging for self-help group workers to provide protein-rich eggs separately to the students, ensuring a complete, protein-rich diet," Banerjee said.

The government had earlier transferred the responsibility of serving mid-day meals to ISKCON, which had led to speculation that eggs would be removed from the menu. The chief minister clarified that eggs will be provided as a supplement one or two days a week through SHGs, while ISKCON continues to supply the main meal.

Banerjee noted that a similar system is already in place in Odisha, where ISKCON supplies meals and eggs are provided separately. The state government has also increased the allocation for mid-day meals: from Rs 6.78 to Rs 10 per meal for primary schools, matching the existing Rs 10 allocation for upper primary and high schools. The additional cost will be borne by the state.

The decision aims to address nutritional concerns while respecting dietary preferences. ISKCON will maintain its standards for vegetarian meals, and the eggs will be provided by SHGs to ensure protein intake for students.