Why Are Parents in K’taka Opposing Egg Distribution in Schools?
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Synopsis
In Mandya, Karnataka, a heated dispute arises as parents demand transfer certificates for their children in response to a government initiative distributing eggs in schools. With a majority of students being vegetarians, tensions rise over religious sentiments and nutritional needs. How will the Education Department navigate this challenging situation?
Key Takeaways
- Parents in Mandya object to egg distribution in schools.
- Majority of students are vegetarians.
- Local religious sentiments are a key concern.
- Alternatives like bananas and chikki bars were previously provided.
- Education Department faces a significant dilemma.
Mandya, July 23 (NationPress) Parents of schoolchildren have raised strong objections to the distribution of eggs in schools, demanding transfer certificates for their children in Karnataka’s Mandya district.
The parents of students at the Government Higher Primary School in Alakere village have voiced their concerns against the government initiative to provide eggs, stating that out of the 120 enrolled students, nearly 80 are vegetarians and do not eat eggs.
They have also highlighted that the school’s proximity to a temple makes the distribution of eggs offensive to the religious feelings of the local community.
Furthermore, they noted that the consumption of non-vegetarian food is forbidden near the Veerabhadreshwara temple, a custom upheld by the villagers for many years. Previously, students had been receiving bananas and chikki bars as part of the mid-day meal program.
The decision by the School Development Management Committee (SDMC) to distribute eggs was made three years ago when the government initiated the egg program to tackle malnutrition among schoolchildren.
Currently, students are still offered bananas and chikki bars, but the education department has opted to distribute eggs to those who wish to have them, following requests from a segment of the village.
Parents of vegetarian children have urged the school management to facilitate egg distribution at home, to respect the sentiments of the majority of families in the area.
The Education Department is now facing a dilemma: distributing eggs may prompt nearly 80 students to leave, while not providing them could lead to accusations of neglecting nutritional needs for the pupils.
Point of View
It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between policy initiatives and public sentiment.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are parents opposing egg distribution?
Parents object to egg distribution as a significant portion of students are vegetarians, and they believe it infringes upon local religious customs.
What alternatives were provided before the egg distribution?
Before the egg initiative, students received bananas and chikki bars as part of the mid-day meal scheme.
What is the dilemma faced by the Education Department?
The Education Department is torn between distributing eggs to meet nutritional guidelines and risking the departure of vegetarian students.
What is the stance of vegetarian parents?
Vegetarian parents have requested that eggs be distributed at home to avoid offending the majority's sentiments.
How many students are affected by this decision?
Out of 120 students at the school, around 80 are vegetarians who do not consume eggs.
