A fresh controversy has emerged in West Bengal after reports suggested that eggs may no longer be served in mid-day meals at several government and government-aided schools in Kolkata. The development comes after the state government decided to engage ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) to provide cooked meals under the PM POSHAN scheme in schools under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area.
According to reports, ISKCON plans to offer a vegetarian menu and replace eggs with alternative protein sources such as soyabean, paneer, rajma and pulses. The organisation has maintained that the revised menu will continue to meet the nutritional requirements of schoolchildren while adhering to vegetarian dietary practices.
The proposed change has triggered political reactions and concerns among nutrition experts. Critics argue that eggs are one of the most affordable and effective sources of protein for children and play a crucial role in combating malnutrition. Several opposition leaders have questioned the decision, alleging that it amounts to imposing dietary preferences on students.
Supporters of the move, however, say that vegetarian protein alternatives can adequately meet nutritional standards if properly planned and implemented. ISKCON representatives have reiterated that the meals will remain balanced and nutritious despite the absence of eggs.
The issue has reignited a broader debate on nutrition, food choices and the involvement of religious organisations in public welfare programmes. The West Bengal government has not yet announced any final statewide policy regarding the removal of eggs from school meals, but the proposal has already sparked widespread discussion across political and educational circles.
The matter is expected to remain a subject of public debate as stakeholders continue to weigh nutritional needs against dietary preferences in one of the country’s largest school meal programmes.