Mumbai: Schools across Maharashtra have voiced opposition to the recent government resolution removing funding for eggs and sugar in midday meals, arguing that it is not their responsibility to raise funds for suggested dishes containing these ingredients.
Issued this week, the School Education Department’s resolution revises the list of dishes provided under the midday meal scheme, eliminating provisions for eggs and sugar. Schools have been instructed to offer egg pulao and nachni satva (a sweet dish made from ragi flour) as optional items, but they must secure funds for eggs and sugar through public participation, as no additional government funding will be provided.
Statement Of Nitin Dalvi, President Of Maharashtra Parents Teachers Association
Nitin Dalvi, president of the Maharashtra Parents Teachers Association, criticised the decision, stating, “This places undue pressure on schools to raise funds, which is not their duty. Teachers in municipal schools do not receive salaries on time yet they are being tasked with additional fundraising responsibilities. Should they focus on teaching or this?”
Statement Of Divisional Secretary Of Maharashtra State Board Of Secondary & Higher Education
Basanti Roy, former divisional secretary of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Education, emphasised that expecting schools to raise funds independently is unrealistic, and the brunt will ultimately be faced by children. She highlighted the impact on rural areas, where midday meals serve as a crucial incentive for school attendance.
“Students will be the biggest losers in this. Poor parents who rely on midday meals to feed their children will see a decline in their nutritional intake. Many of these children are already malnourished,” she warned.
Vishal Chitre, a primary teacher at a government school, echoed Dalvi’s concerns, noting that fund collection is fraught with challenges. “Even if we manage to gain funds, influential individuals with vested interests contribute, and they often expect something in return,” he said.
About Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana
Under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana, primary students (Years 1 to 5) receive meals with 450 kcal and 12 grams of protein, while upper primary students (Years 6 to 8) receive meals with 700 kcal and 20 grams of protein. However, with a per-student meal cost capped at Rs 5.45 for primary and Rs 8.17 for upper primary students, stakeholders argue that providing nutritious meals with eggs and sweets is unattainable within this budget, making additional fundraising necessary and another burden.
