Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chauhan has removed eggs from mid-day meals served to tribal children in three districts in the state.
There was a proposal to include the eggs as a low-cost source of proteins for children aged three to six years by the Integrated Child Development Services. However, the Jain community had protested the inclusion in Alirajpur, Mandla and Hoshangabad districts.
The Hindustan Times reported SK Mishra, principal secretary to Chauhan, as saying, “It has been a sentimental issue with the CM from day one. Moreover, there are better, more nutritious options available.”
The charts below show the number of eggs served each week in ICDS anganwadis and as part of mid-day means on schools around the country.
Note: It was earlier stated that the eggs had been included in anganwadi centres. In fact, the eggs were proposed to be included in three districts. This article has been edited to reflect the change.