Biryani in Tamil Nadu, egg in Bengal… what will be available in mid-day meal in which state?

As soon as the school bell rings, children’s eyes are not only on the classroom but also on lunch. In some states, hot khichdi is served in a plate, in some places pulses and rice, and in others milk and fruits are given. Now there is talk of adding a new name to this list, Tamil Nadu, where a plan to include chicken biryani in the mid-day meal of government schools is being considered. On the other hand, politics has intensified in West Bengal regarding giving egg in mid-day meal. In such a situation, the question is arising that what do children get in the mid-day meal in different states of the country and what is the role of nutrition, local food and politics behind it?

The purpose of Mid-Day Meal (now PM Poshan Yojana) in India is not just to fill the stomach of children but also to provide them balanced nutrition, increase enrollment in schools and reduce dropouts. For this reason, states have been given the freedom to decide the menu according to local food and nutritional needs. This is the reason why rice based food is available at some places and dishes made from millet or wheat at other places. Now the possible chicken biryani scheme in Tamil Nadu and the debate over eggs in West Bengal have once again made this scheme a topic of national discussion.

The proposal is being discussed

The Tamil Nadu government is considering a proposal to include chicken biryani in the mid-day meal of government schools once a week. This suggestion was given by teachers’ organizations in a meeting held with the School Education Department. He says that this will provide better nutrition to children and make the mid-day meal even more attractive. School Education Minister A Rajmohan said that the proposal is under consideration of the government and it will also be discussed with the Department of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment. At present no final decision has been taken, but the government is looking at this proposal positively.

What is available in which state?

• Tamil Nadu: The state government has been including eggs in the mid-day meals of government schools from time to time. Now in some districts, a plan is being discussed to provide chicken biryani once a week, so that children can get better protein.
• West Bengal: Here eggs are already given several days a week, apart from this rice, pulses and vegetables are also included. Recently, there was political controversy regarding this, but the government says that eggs are necessary for the nutrition of children.
• Karnataka: At many places, egg or banana is given as an alternative along with rice, sambar and dal. In many districts of Karnataka, milk is also given in mid-day meal.
• Odisha: Apart from rice and pulses, egg and in some areas soya based food is included one or two days a week.
• Uttar Pradesh and Bihar: The menu includes dal-rice, khichdi, tahari, roti-vegetables and seasonal dishes. In many districts milk or fruits are also given.
• Rajasthan and Gujarat: Millet, wheat, pulses, khichdi and food prepared as per local taste are served to the children.
• Andhra Pradesh: The mid-day meal consists of rice, sambar, egg, chickpea and on some days, dishes made from ragi.
• Telangana: Children are also given eggs regularly along with rice, pulses and vegetables.
• Kerala: Rice, sambar, pulses, vegetables and nutritious food according to local taste are served in schools.
• Maharashtra: Dal-rice, khichdi, pulao and in many places egg or fruits are also included in the mid-day meal.
• Haryana: Flavored milk and additional nutrition is provided in many government schools along with regular meals.
• Punjab: Children are given a balanced diet consisting of pulses, rice, roti and seasonal vegetables.
• Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir: The mid-day meal includes dishes made from pulses, rice, kidney beans and local grains.
• North-Eastern States: In most of the states, egg is also served along with rice, pulses and local vegetables at many places.

Protein rich foods are being included

Protein, iron and other micronutrients are very important for growing children. For this reason, many states are including eggs, milk, fruits or other protein-rich foods in the mid-day meal. However, due to religious and cultural beliefs in some states, controversies have arisen from time to time regarding egg or non-vegetarian food. This means that the country’s mid-day meal is not just a government scheme, but has also become a mirror of local culture, nutrition policy and politics.