Karnataka: Rise in egg prices triggers demand for mid-day meal fund hike

Egg prices have been rising, prompting School Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa to acknowledge the issue on Monday. Speaking in the Legislative Council, Bangarappa agreed that the increase in egg prices has been causing problems. He noted that the price of eggs had dropped from ₹7.10 per egg to a range of ₹5.33 to ₹5.93 per egg in August.

Congress member Ramoji Gowda had demanded a hike in the government's mid-day meal scheme fund, citing the current market price of eggs being between ₹8 and ₹8.50 while the government provides ₹6 per egg. Bangarappa acknowledged that egg distribution had been affected in some districts with high student populations and egg consumption.

He also mentioned that some children do not consume eggs daily due to certain beliefs and practices, preferring bananas on those days. This flexibility helps teachers manage supplies even as market prices rise. Regarding the distribution of shoes and socks to school children, Bangarappa announced that it would be completed by August 28.

The delay was due to a change in the process, and a penalty clause was imposed in case of delayed supply. The government's expenditure on this distribution had decreased from ₹116 crore annually to ₹76 crore.