MANGALURU: The Akshara Dasoha office in Dakshina Kannada has received letters from 11 educational institutions expressing their inability to serve eggs in midday meals due to religious beliefs. These schools, located within temples, Jain Basadis, or run by religious organisations, have explicitly opposed the inclusion of eggs in the menu.
The issue arose after the Azim Premji Foundation for Development, in partnership with the state government, launched a program to provide six eggs per week to students in government and aided schools. During random inspections, the foundation found some schools were not complying and instead served alternatives like chikki or bananas.
Jnanesh MP, Executive Officer of Akshara Dasoha, stated that data collection revealed 11 schools resisting egg distribution, primarily due to religious sensitivities. Schools within Jain Basadis or run by religious trusts cited community preferences as the reason.
The zilla panchayat plans to compile the schools’ responses and seek guidance from the state government. Sources indicated that some schools had previously stopped serving eggs due to cost concerns but resumed after intervention from the foundation.
A resolution is awaited to balance nutritional goals and cultural considerations.
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