In a renewed effort to ensure inclusive and effective implementation of school nutrition schemes, the Odisha School and Mass Education Department has issued fresh directives to all District Education Officers (DEOs).
The instructions emphasise providing fruits as an alternative to children who choose not to consume eggs on designated “egg days” under the PM POSHAN and Midday Meal Program Yojana (MMPY) schemes.
The directive, outlined in a letter dated October 22, 2025, from the State Nodal Officer of PM POSHAN, references an earlier communication from August 2, 2025. It urges strict adherence to established guidelines to prevent any public controversies or negative publicity that could undermine the programs’ efficacy.
“You are hereby once again instructed to abide by the guidelines communicated vide the above said letter religiously so as to avoid any public issues or bad publicity on the efficacy of the District Education/School authorities in implementation of the provisions of the MDN schemes in your district,” the letter states, highlighting the matter’s extreme importance.
The PM POSHAN scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, aims to enhance nutritional levels among schoolchildren by providing hot cooked meals, including eggs on specific days to boost protein intake. However, recognising dietary preferences, religious beliefs, or other reasons why some children may opt out of eggs, the government has mandated alternatives like fruits to maintain nutritional balance without exclusion.
