Context:
The decision to exclude eggs from school meals in parts of West Bengal has revived the debate on balancing religious preferences with children’s nutritional needs. The discussion highlights the importance of the PM POSHAN Scheme in addressing malnutrition and improving learning outcomes.
Explanation:
- PM POSHAN (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman), formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (1995), provides hot cooked meals to children in Government and Government-aided schools from Balvatika/Pre-primary to Class VIII.
- The scheme aims to improve nutrition, reduce classroom hunger, increase enrolment, attendance and retention, and promote social equity by children eating together.
- It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Education, with expenditure shared between the Centre and States.
- Eggs are a low-cost, high-quality source of complete protein, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Iron, Choline and essential amino acids, supporting children’s physical growth and brain development.
- Regular egg consumption helps combat protein-energy malnutrition, stunting, wasting and anaemia, especially among economically vulnerable children.
- States may include eggs or suitable locally acceptable alternatives (milk, pulses, soybean, etc.) based on regional preferences and dietary practices.
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