The Maharashtra government decided to withdraw ₹50 crore in funding for eggs and millet-based sweet dishes in the Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDM) in State-run schools.
The government suggested alternatives but provided no extra funds.
Maharashtra's spending on the PM-POSHAN scheme, is less than 1% of the state’s total expenditure and has been declining over the years.
The National Food Security Act requires specific protein intake for students, but Critics say the cuts will harm children's nutrition, especially as eggs were only added in November 2023
The government cites fiscal deficit limits as the reason, but critics argue it's unjustified given Maharashtra's wealth.
Activists stress that the existing funding is already inadequate, with 35% of children under five being underweight and 36% stunted as of 2019.
The Opposition condemned the decision, calling it evidence of the government's financial and moral failure, with leaders arguing that the midday meal is the only source of nutrition for many students.
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