Worried that Karnataka cut students’ nutrition? This may be temporary, and changed after the budget

“The order clearly states that one egg/banana/groundnut chikki will be distributed from 20 June 20 to 15 July per student a week or until further orders from the government in the first phase. There will be a new order soon after the budget,” the source from the PM-Pohan section of the School Education Department confirmed to South First.

The state government started distributing supplementary nutrition along with midday meals to students of classes 1 to 8 of government and aided schools across the state earlier this year.

The distribution started in seven districts of the Kalyana Karnataka region in December 2021, after the malnutrition indicator in these regions was found to be alarming.

Also read: Holding a mirror to Karnataka on nutrition in the state

What did the circular say?

The circular issued by the director of PM-Poshan at the School Education Department stated that the distribution of eggs or bananas, which used to occur twice a week in addition to the midday meal, would now be limited to only once a week.

The circular clearly stated that the allocation of eggs would be based on the attendance of the children during the initial phase, spanning from 20 June to 15 July, with each student eligible to receive one egg per week.

It should be noted that the current distribution of eggs is being carried out in accordance with the grant received by the department.

Also read: Do eggs contain steroids, cause early puberty? Experts clarify

What experts say

Speaking to South First, community health medico Dr Sylvia Karpagam, who advocates for health and nutrition, expressed concern over the move.

She said if the government was serious about addressing malnutrition, there should be no compromise on giving eggs to all children up to class 10 every day of the week as a part of midday meals.

She said eggs were a complete food (see fact sheet by Ahara Namma Hakku) and an important source of protein, Vitamins A and B12, and folic acid, which help in multiple functions of the body.

“Children in government schools were hit badly during the pandemic and the resulting rigorous lockdown. Many of their parents are still struggling to regain their livelihood. Why compromise on these children?” she asked.

“One egg a week is nothing more than tokenism and very disappointing. Strengthening the egg and poultry sector will also offer much-needed livelihood and income to small farmers, especially women farmers,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru-based paediatrician Dr Sanjay Kumar said, “Eggs, peanut chikki, and bananas are all good sources of protein. This must be increased to at least three days a week.”

He added: “Ideally, every day is good. But even three days would help in addressing malnutrition and anaemia to a great extent. This will also act as one of the major impetuses for parents in rural areas to send their children to school.”

Also read: Experts hail Karnataka panel nod for 5 eggs a week for children

More days of eggs after budget?

A few sources from the government confirmed to South First that the number of days of providing supplementary nutrition would be increased after the presentation of the state budget on 7 July.

“We are working with a notional budget till the state budget is announced. It has been two weeks and the children are becoming restless without the supplementary food. Many were asking for eggs, so we decided we should roll out the first phase, and hence this has been announced,” said the sources.

They also gave assurances that there were plans to increase the number of days eggs being provided.