DSEL issues order to increase coverage of egg distribution in Karnataka schools to 90%

DSEL directed that schools organize special sessions on “Benefits of Eggs” using information education communication materials. | Photo credit: File photo

The distribution of eggs as supplementary food to children in government and aided schools is only in the range of 50% to 60% and the Department of Education and School Literacy (DSEL) has decided to increase this amount to 90% in 2026-27.

DSEL directed officials to create awareness among students about the benefits of eating eggs and directed that the target of 80% distribution of eggs should be achieved by September 2026.

Help from APF

The state government earlier distributed eggs and bananas as supplementary nutrition two days a week along with mid-day meal to students from LKG to Class 10 in all government institutions, helping primary and secondary schools in the state to prevent malnutrition and anaemia. With the support and financial assistance of the Azim Premji Foundation (APF), eggs/bananas are being provided to students six days a week from September 2024 to 25 September.

However, despite clear orders from the government, due to the rising prices of eggs, bananas are being distributed instead of eggs, and even when students demand eggs, they are not distributed, as observed during surprise visits to schools by a team from the School Education Department and APF.

“It is mandatory to provide eggs as supplementary nutrition for mid-day meal for six days a week with parental consent. Parental consent of all students and newly admitted students should be obtained at the beginning of the academic year,” the order said.

“Raise Awareness”

The DSEL has directed that schools organize special sessions on “Benefits of Eggs” using Information Education Communication (IEC) materials. She recommends that posters and sessions on the nutritional value of eggs be led by a nutritionist or local physician.

“Schools should hold information sessions on the benefits of eggs at parent-teacher conferences and community school programs,” the order added.

Review meetings should be held monthly at the block and district levels by the block education officer and deputy director of public instruction to ensure strict implementation of the egg distribution programme, the order added, with school development and monitoring committees (SDMCs) playing an active role.

The order states that the monthly attendance of students, the number of students consuming eggs and bananas and the amount of eggs and bananas purchased should be maintained on the Student Achievement Tracking System (SATS) portal.

Published – 25 May 2026 21:22 IST