India, Feb. 21 -- Following widespread criticism over its decision to stop paying for eggs and sugar for its midday meals programme, Maharashtra government has decided to take back that order, said school education minister Dadaji Bhuse.

"We had initially decided to discontinue funding for eggs in the midday meal program. However, after receiving feedback from experts, teachers, and local communities, we recognised the importance of eggs in maintaining students' protein intake and overall health. Therefore, we have decided to reinstate the provision of eggs and bananas once a week," he told HT.

Sources in the school education department confirmed that eggs and bananas will be back on the midday meal menu from the new academic year. In a...