Row after Indian state drops eggs from school lunch menu
Summary
The state of West Bengal in India plans to replace eggs with vegetarian options in some government school lunches as part of a pilot program run by a Hindu group known for vegetarian meals. This decision has caused debate about school nutrition, as eggs are a common, affordable protein source for poor children, and critics say the change may be influenced by religious beliefs.Key Facts
- West Bengal's new government will hand over some school meal preparation to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon), which serves only vegetarian food.
- The mid-day meal program provides free lunches to millions of underprivileged children in government schools across India.
- Eggs are a cheap and nutritious protein source that have been part of the local diet for generations.
- Iskcon plans to replace eggs with other protein sources like soybeans or kidney beans, which are less common locally.
- Critics say removing eggs may be motivated by religious or political ideology rather than nutrition science.
- The opposition party accuses the current government of trying to impose vegetarianism on children.
- Some suggest offering children a choice between eggs and vegetarian options to respect preferences.
- Iskcon denied forcing any religious practices and claims their vegetarian meals provide adequate nutrition.
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