Mumbai, Jan. 30 -- The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced it will be discontinuing funding for eggs and sugar for the midday meal programmes for its government-run schools.

In November 2023, the state government, in a bid to overcome protein deficiency among students, had introduced one egg per week for each student beneficiary of the midday meal scheme. Students who did not want eggs could opt for fruit instead. Each egg was allocated an additional budget of Rs.5 per student. However, following protests from right-wing groups, the policy was modified. Schools were instructed not to serve eggs where at least 40% of parents opposed them. Schools receiving meals from non-governmental organisations such as Akshaya Patra were also e...