India’s West Bengal will reinstate eggs in free school meals after facing criticism over a decision by its Hindu nationalist government to replace them with vegetarian options. Officials confirmed that eggs would be included again starting in August, following objections from teachers, nutritionists, and parents who argued that removing eggs could deprive children from impoverished families of vital protein sources.
The controversy arose last month when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, which assumed power in the state in May, removed eggs from dining halls in some government schools and arranged for a Hindu religious charity to supply vegetarian meals instead. Critics accused the government of attempting to push a vegetarian agenda, fueling a prolonged debate about food and religion in the country.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that, from August, eggs would be separately provided through women’s welfare groups, while the charity would continue to offer purely vegetarian meals. “Starting August 1, the state government will supply boiled eggs to these schools via self-help groups,” he stated. “Many guardians requested the government to ensure eggs were included in the meals.”
While the BJP often advocates vegetarianism as part of its broader nationalist principles, most Hindus consume meat and fish. Eggs, which are considered non-vegetarian by Hindus, are also widely eaten. Teachers and nutrition experts argued that integrating eggs into school lunches significantly improves the nutritional intake and attendance of children from low-income backgrounds.
India’s free school lunch program, the largest worldwide, is credited with increasing enrollment rates and combating malnutrition and stunting among children.