The West Bengal government has withdrawn the approval for Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide midday meals in four districts, citing rising costs and nutritional menu changes.

  • The West Bengal government rescinded the approval for Akshaya Patra Foundation in Howrah, Purulia, North 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur.
  • The decision follows rising costs associated with the inclusion of eggs in the school meal menu.
  • ISKCON has officially distanced itself from the Akshaya Patra Foundation.

In a swift administrative reversal, the West Bengal government has rescinded its order allowing the Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide midday meals in four key districts: Howrah, Purulia, North 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur. This decision comes just three weeks after the initial approval was granted under the PM-POSHAN scheme.

A formal notification issued by Paromita Roy, Joint Secretary of the State Education Department, confirmed the withdrawal of the approval originally granted on August 21, 2026. The move has sent ripples through the state's administrative and educational sectors, especially following the recent political shifts in the state.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this decision is deeply rooted in the intersection of nutritional policy and fiscal management. Under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, the government had introduced eggs into the school menu to combat malnutrition. However, this nutritional upgrade significantly increased the per-meal cost, creating a budgetary strain that ultimately led to the rescission of the contract for these districts.

The government is caught in a tightrope walk between ensuring high nutritional standards and managing the escalating costs of large-scale food distribution.

The controversy is further complicated by the legal and organizational ties between NGOs. While the Akshaya Patra Foundation is often associated with ISKCON, the latter has formally clarified through a letter that there is no legal or managerial connection between its governing body and the foundation. This distinction became crucial following a petition filed in the Calcutta High Court regarding the management of the meal scheme.

Historical Background

The midday meal scheme in West Bengal has long been a cornerstone of social welfare and a focal point of political debate. The transition from the previous administration's models to the current BJP-led government's approach has seen significant changes in how meal providers are selected and how menus are structured, particularly regarding vegetarianism versus protein-rich diets.

Did You Know?: The PM-POSHAN scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at enhancing the nutritional status of school-age children across India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which districts are affected by this rescinded order?
The order affects Howrah, Purulia, North 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur.

2. What was the primary reason for the government's decision?
The primary reason cited by officials was the increased cost of midday meals following the decision to provide eggs twice a week.