Odisha Government to Provide Fruits to School Students Under Midday Meal Scheme

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to ensure nutritional balance for all schoolchildren, the Odisha government has decided to provide fruits to students who do not consume eggs under the Midday Meal (MDM) programme.

The School and Mass Education (S&ME) Department issued a directive to all District Education Officers (DEOs) on Friday, instructing them to implement the new provision across schools in the state.

According to the official communication, fruits like bananas, mangoes, and apples will be served to students from Sishu Vatika (pre-primary) to Class X on days when eggs are provided under the MDM (PM POSHAN) scheme—specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The department has further instructed DEOs to make the necessary arrangements to supply fruits at a cost equivalent to that of one egg, ensuring that students who opt for a vegetarian diet receive an equivalent nutritional alternative.

This step aims to promote inclusivity and support the dietary preferences of all children while maintaining the nutritional goals of the midday meal programme.