Bhubaneswar- In a step towards making the midday meal scheme more inclusive, the Odisha government has decided to provide fruits to school students who do not consume eggs under the PM POSHAN programme. The School and Mass Education Department issued formal instructions to all District Education Officers to implement this new provision in schools across the state.
As per the directive, fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and apples will be offered to students from Sishu Vatika (pre-primary) up to Class X on days when eggs are served—specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The initiative is aimed at accommodating students who follow a vegetarian diet while ensuring they receive nutritious alternatives.
The department has also instructed DEOs to ensure that the cost of the fruits provided aligns with the cost of one egg, maintaining nutritional and financial balance in the scheme. With this move, the state reinforces its commitment to inclusive and healthy meals for all children in government and government-aided schools.
