Tamil Nadu to ramp up egg distribution in schools amid rising malnutrition concerns

मुख्य बातें
- •Tamil Nadu plans to raise egg distribution in government and aided schools from 50–60% to 90% by 2026–27
- •Since September 2024, eggs and bananas have been provided six days a week with support from the Azim Premji Foundation
- •Schools have been substituting bananas for eggs due to rising prices, despite government orders
- •DSEL has ordered mandatory egg distribution six days a week with parental consent and regular awareness programs
- •Monthly review meetings and SDMC involvement have been mandated to ensure strict implementation and record-keeping on the SATS portal
The Tamil Nadu government has intensified efforts to improve protein intake among schoolchildren by significantly increasing the distribution of eggs as supplementary nutrition. According to an official directive from the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL), the current coverage—ranging between 50% and 60%—will be raised to 90% by the academic year 2026–27. The decision comes as part of a broader strategy to combat malnutrition and anaemia among students from LKG to Class 10 in government and aided schools across the state.

