Paper: GS – II, Subject: Governance, Topic: Government Policies, Issue: Why Eggs Matter in School Midday Meals?
Context:
Recently, West Bengal removed eggs from school midday meals, renewing debate over the nutritional value of eggs in school feeding programmes. For many children from low-income families, the school meal may be the most nutritious meal of the day. Food choices should therefore be guided by science, affordability and local acceptance.
Key Takeaways:
Explanation:
Why Protein Matters?
- Protein supports growth, muscle formation, tissue repair, hormones, enzymes and immunity.
- The human body cannot produce nine essential amino acids, so they must come from food.
- The humble egg contains all nine essential amino acids in suitable proportions, making it a complete, high-quality protein.
Nutritional Value of Eggs:
- Two boiled eggs provide about 13.4 grams of protein per 100 grams.
- Egg protein is highly digestible and bioavailable, meaning the body can absorb and use it efficiently.
- Eggs are compact, affordable, easy to prepare and easy for children to consume.
Protein Quality and Alternatives:
- Cooked soyabeans provide nearly the same amount of protein, while paneer provides more.
- However, protein quality also depends on digestibility and amino-acid balance.
- Plant foods work best in combinations such as rice with dal, rajma with rice or roti with chana.
- Children who do not eat eggs need balanced combinations of pulses, cereals, dairy, soy or fortified foods.
Importance of Choline:
- Eggs provide about 290–300 milligrams of choline (an organic compound) per 100 grams.
- Choline is an essential nutrient as it supports brain development, memory, nerve signalling and liver health.
- Eggs contain much more choline than milk, paneer or cooked soyabeans.
Different Foods, Different Benefits:
- Soyabeans provide protein, fibre, iron, magnesium and potassium.
- Paneer is rich in protein and calcium, while milk supplies calcium and riboflavin.
- Eggs combine complete protein, choline, iron, zinc, phosphorus and several vitamins in one compact food.
Lessons from Tamil Nadu:
- Tamil Nadu’s experience shows that school meals can improve attendance, concentration and learning.
- Eggs were introduced gradually as nutrition became a major goal of the programme.
- School meals should be nutritious, culturally acceptable and regularly consumed by children.
Conclusion:
Eggs are not the only nutritious food, but they provide complete protein and important micronutrients in a simple form. Where eggs are not served, equally nutritious alternatives must be carefully planned.
Source: (The Indian Express)
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2026 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar: 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040