Suvendhu Adhikari Clears Air On Non-Veg Row: ISKCON Meals Will Be 'Satvik', Eggs Will Come Separate

Published 30 July 2026 · local

Suvendhu Adhikari Clears Air On Non-Veg Row: ISKCON Meals Will Be 'Satvik', Eggs Will Come Separate Published By, Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 08:47 IST

Suvendhu Adhikari Clears Air On Non-Veg Row: ISKCON Meals Will Be 'Satvik', Eggs Will Come Separate Published By, Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 08:47 IST West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has made clear that non-vegetarian food will not be removed from meals in public schools. Though, ISKCON will only provide Satvik meals. Rapid Read West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari (representational image) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday sought to end the row over the alleged removal of eggs from mid-day meals in Kolkata schools. He said the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will supply protein-rich meals, while eggs will be given separately through self-help groups (SHGs). “From August 1, as a pilot project, ‘satvik’ and protein-rich mid-day meals will be provided to children by ISKCON in large parts of Kolkata.

Along with that, eggs will be provided to children through SHGs so that we can provide protein-rich meals to our future generations," Mr. Adhikari said, while speaking with reporters in the state’s capital. The government had earlier announced that ISKCON would supply cooked meals to schools in Kolkata. This move triggered concerns that eggs could be removed from menus in schools where the organisation would provide food. Eggs Row Sparks Political Criticism Opposition leaders, including former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, questioned the move. They argued that children were being denied eggs, which are an important source of protein. Critics also said the decision to involve ISKCON reflected an attempt by the BJP-led government in the State to push vegetarian food habits.

The Chief Minister’s statement on Wednesday at the State Secretariat aimed to close the debate over the issue. Budget Hike, Teacher Hiring Announced Adhikari said the government has raised the mid-day meal allocation from ₹6.78 to ₹10 per student per day. He also handed out grants to 80,375 government and aided schools under the Samagra Shiksha Mission. The Chief Minister added that all vacant teaching posts will be filled and around 50,000 teachers will be recruited. The issue of recruitment has remained sensitive in the State. During the Trinamool Congress government, allegations of corruption in hiring teachers and staff had surfaced. Several officials and Trinamool leaders were arrested in the alleged cash-for-jobs scam.

News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: July 30, 2026, 08:47 IST News india Suvendhu Adhikari Clears Air On Non-Veg Row: ISKCON Meals Will Be 'Satvik', Eggs Will Come Separate Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...