Anganwadi and Mid-day meal: Centre asks MP to consider including boiled eggs in menu

Despite CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s known opposition to eggs, the Centre has written to Madhya Pradesh government to consider including boiled eggs in anganwadi meals and mid-day meal scheme to fight malnutrition.

“Boiled eggs can be hygienic and a cheap source of protein required for children, expectant/ pregnant women and nursing mothers… I believe that for some reason the state is yet to consider providing eggs in MDMs and ICDS,’’ states a letter from Union Agriculture Ministry. The February 29 letter states, “Hopefully, this will substantially contribute towards reducing the bane of malnutrition in children and boost immunity and general health status of expectant/pregnant women. It will also enable uptake of eggs and help poultry farmers.’’

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Nearly three months after receiving the letter, the state is yet to take a call on the issue. Principal Secretary to Women and Child Development department J S Kansotia said: “The letter is under consideration. It is our duty to bring to the notice (of seniors) because the final decision will have to be taken from the top.’’

Officials, it is learnt, are reluctant to take up the matter with Chouhan, a vegetarian, who has earlier opposed inclusion of eggs in anganwadi menus. An official in CMO said, “He is unlikely to change his mind because of a single letter.”