Egg-Free School Meals in Kolkata Trigger Political Row

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Kolkata: The humble egg, an iconic dish in West Bengal, was removed from the menu after the state's newly elected Hindu nationalist government announced that a religious charity would supply free, vegetarian-cooked meals in state-run schools. The municipal body stated that the change was made to accommodate the dietary choices of some kids and families, although eggs will continue to be offered on other school days.

The opposition has criticised the move, saying that eggs are an important source of low-cost protein for children, particularly those from low-income households, and accusing the government of enabling politics and religious beliefs to direct nutrition policy.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, whose regional Trinamool Congress (TMC) lost power in May after 15 years in power, criticised the attempt to remove eggs from school meals as ‘against the culture’ of the state, which has over 100 million population.

Officials have justified the decision, saying that it only applies to Tuesdays and does not result in the entire removal of eggs from school meals. The ruling has, however, rekindled a broader debate about nutrition, food selection, and the role of religious and cultural sensitivity in government-funded school lunch programs.