India’s West Bengal state has announced reintroducing eggs to free school meals after backlash against its Hindu nationalist government’s decision to replace them with vegetarian alternatives, officials confirmed.
The reversal follows criticism from educators, nutritionists, and parents who warned that removing eggs could deprive underprivileged children of essential protein.
The controversy erupted last month when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) administration, newly elected in May, eliminated eggs from certain state-run schools and partnered with a Hindu religious charity to supply vegetarian provisions.
This decision reignited debates about religion and public policy in India, with opponents accusing the government of imposing ideological food choices on minors.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari declared eggs would resume in school lunches starting next month.
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