The distribution of eggs as supplementary nutrition to children in government and aided schools is being done only to the extent of 50% to 60%, respectively, and the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has decided to increase this to 90% in the year 2026-27.

The DSEL has instructed officials to create awareness among students about the benefits of egg consumption, and has ordered that the target of 80% egg distribution should be achieved by September 2026.

Aid from APF

The State government had earlier been distributing eggs and bananas as supplementary nutrition two days a week along with midday meals to students from LKG to class 10 in all government and aided primary and high schools in the State to prevent malnutrition and anaemia. With the support and financial assistance of Azim Premji Foundation (APF), eggs/bananas are being provided to students on six days of the week since September 2024-25.

However, despite clear directives of the government, bananas are being distributed instead of eggs because of rising egg prices, and even when students demand eggs, they are not being distributed, as was observed during surprise visits to schools by a team from the School Education Department and APF.

“It is mandatory to provide eggs as supplementary nutrition along with midday meals for six days of the week, with parental consent. At the beginning of the academic year, parental consent of all students and newly admitted students should be obtained,” reads the order.

‘Increase awareness’

The DSEL has instructed that schools should organise special sessions on ‘Benefits of Eggs’ using Information Education Communication (IEC) materials. It recommends that posters be displayed and sessions on the nutritional value of eggs be conducted by the nutrition officer or local doctor.

“Schools should conduct awareness sessions on the benefits of eggs in parent meetings and community-based school programmes,” the order further said.

Review meetings should be held every month at the block and district levels by the Block Education Officer and Deputy Director of Public Instruction, respectively, to ensure strict implementation of the egg distribution programme, the order added, with School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs) playing an active role.

The order states that the monthly attendance of students, the number of students consuming eggs and bananas, and the amount of eggs and bananas purchased should be maintained in the Student Achievement Tracking System (SATS) portal.