As Bengal drops eggs from mid-day meals, Tamil Nadu and Odisha show another way

In India, the mid-day meal has long been more than food, serving as a state guarantee for the well-being of its children. Since its expansion under the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education and later, the PM POSHAN scheme, the plate handed to a child at noon has functioned as a state guarantee for their health and nutrition. The mid-day meal scheme has been a vital component of the country's efforts to improve the nutritional status of its children. The recent decision by the Bengal government to drop eggs from its mid-day meal menu has sparked a debate about the efficacy of such a move. In contrast, states like Tamil Nadu and Odisha have adopted a more inclusive approach, providing a variety of food options to their students. These states have shown that it is possible to provide nutritious and diverse food to children, which is essential for their growth and development. The mid-day meal scheme is not just about providing food, but also about promoting health and nutrition among children. The diverse approaches adopted by different states highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of the nutritional needs of children. The decision to drop eggs from the mid-day meal menu in Bengal has been seen as a regressive step, which could have negative implications for the health and nutrition of children in the state. On the other hand, the inclusive approaches adopted by Tamil Nadu and Odisha have been seen as a positive step towards promoting health and nutrition among children. The mid-day meal scheme is an important component of the country's efforts to improve the nutritional status of its children, and it is essential that states adopt a more inclusive and nuanced approach to providing food to children.