TMC Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra has slammed the BJP-led government in West Bengal over the decision to drop eggs from school mid-day meals and replace them with rajma (kidney beans) under a new pilot project.
The project, which is being run by the ISKCON, will provide protein-rich vegetarian options to students, including paneer, rajma, soya products, pulses, and milk-based food.
Moitra questioned the decision, saying that children in the state do not like soya and that rajma is not commonly eaten in Bengal compared to northern India.
The TMC has accused the BJP of seeking to impose a vegetarian cultural template on Bengal, while the BJP has defended the decision, saying that the focus is on providing good-quality food to students.
Radharamn Das, vice president of ISKCON Kolkata, said that the organisation already provides meals to nearly 12 lakh students across several states and follows the nutrition standards set by state governments.
Teachers have also reacted to the decision, with some saying that student attendance usually rises on the days eggs are served.
