Egg distribution scheme for school children under scrutiny over alleged mismanagement

Team Udayavani, Nov 8, 2024, 11:13 AM IST

Allegations of widespread irregularities in Karnataka’s egg distribution program for school children have prompted the School Education and Literacy Department to step up monitoring. The scheme, under the PM Poshan initiative, aims to provide two eggs weekly to students from grades 1 to 10, with bananas or peanut bars (chikki) as alternatives for those who don’t consume eggs.

In collaboration with the Azim Premji Foundation (APF), the state government extended the program in September to provide eggs six days a week for over 40 lakh students. Under this partnership, the government funds 100 eggs annually per student, while APF covers an additional 200. However, recent inspections reveal lapses in implementing the scheme in various schools, with reports of eggs being replaced with peanut bars of insufficient weight or not distributed at all.

The APF surveyed 357 schools and found that 66 had not distributed eggs as planned, despite 64% of students in those schools preferring them. In several cases, students were given only chikki, even when they opted for eggs, and bananas — meant as a priority for non-egg-eaters — were not supplied. APF noted that the mandated weight for chikki was often disregarded, with many schools distributing bars below the specified 35-40 grams. The APF submitted these findings to the education department, highlighting a significant shortfall in delivery.

School Education Department Commissioner Dr. K.V. Trilok Chandra acknowledged the discrepancies and announced measures to ensure proper implementation. Plans are underway to introduce an app to monitor egg distribution, with requirements for schools to upload daily updates and photos. Surprise inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance.

Following the findings, show-cause notices have been issued to 98 officials, including 50 Block Education Officers (BEOs) and 48 PM Poshan Assistant Directors, due to alleged negligence. The department is also setting up dedicated teams to conduct random inspections across schools to verify egg distribution and maintain transparency in the program.