Mid-day meals in Maharashtra govt schools to have egg, fruit

“We have introduced eggs and bananas in midday meals, considering their nutritional value. A new menu, including sweet dish options, is also finalised for mid-day meals served in government schools across the state,” said Maharashtra School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar.

Responsibility of cooking or arranging new food items will be given to the existing system of mid-day meal service providers at respective schools. Considering the market rate as Rs 5 per egg, for vegetarian students, banana or any other local fruit of the same cost will be served on Wednesdays and Fridays.

A committee of experts formed to suggest alternative options submitted its recommendations in of September. While few more options are under consideration, the school education department issued the GR, declaring inclusion of eggs and fruit in midday meal that was one of the recommendations.

“Eggs and fruits will be added to the existing expenditure. The plan is to stick to the existing list of raw materials for other items to be introduced in future,” said an official from the school education department while explaining why other new items are yet to be declared.

This is the first-time eggs and fruits are introduced in the midday meal scheme in Maharashtra. The GR referred to the central government’s instructions under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana, which asks states to introduce innovative ways of nutritious food choices in midday meals. “Five per cent of the funds given under the scheme is allocated for innovations,” states the GR.