Patna : Children studying in government primary schools across Bihar will continue to receive eggs under the Midday Meal Scheme during the winter months, the state government has said, extending a provision that is often disrupted during colder periods. Vegetarian children will be offered seasonal fruits in place of eggs.
The decision applies to January and February, during which schools have been instructed to procure eggs and fruits at revised rates. Vinayak Mishra, director of the Midday Meal Scheme, on Tuesday issued directions to all district programme officers to ensure timely procurement and uninterrupted distribution.
Under the revised guidelines, a maximum price of Rs 6 has been fixed per egg or per unit of seasonal fruit for the two-month period. Officials said the cap had been set to address “special circumstances” related to seasonal availability and price fluctuations.
Mishra clarified that districts where eggs or fruits are available at a lower price must procure them at the prevailing local rate, rather than the capped maximum. Any additional expenditure arising from higher procurement costs will be covered through immediately available scheme funds.
The move is aimed at maintaining nutritional standards for children enrolled in government schools, particularly during winter, when supply issues have previously affected meal quality and consistency
