The Maharashtra government announced on November 7 that the Mid-Day Meals that are provided to students up to class eight will now have eggs and fruits in the menu.

The change in the menu will be implemented in the ongoing academic year. According to a government order, dishes made of eggs will be served on Tuesday while fruits will be available on Friday.

“We have introduced eggs and bananas in midday meals, considering their nutritional value. A new menu, including sweet dish options, is also finalised for mid-day meals served in government schools across the state,” Deepak Kesarkar, Maharashtra School Education Minister, was quoted.

Also Read: Hot Cooked Meals to Resume in Anganwadi Centres in UP after a Gap of 3 Years

It is for the first-time eggs and fruits are introduced in the Midday Meal scheme in Maharashtra. The government order also referred to the Union government’s instructions under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana, which asks states to introduce innovative ways of nutritious food choices in these meals. Five per cent of the funds given under the scheme is allocated for such innovations.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 data (2019-21), about 27 per cent of the children below five years of age are stunted in India while 30 per cent are underweight. Also, more than 65 per cent of children between six to 59 months are anaemic.

Also Read: Uttar Pradesh Govt To Include Millets In Mid-Day Meals