The suspension of new gas connections, prompted by the West Asia crisis, has created significant challenges for government schools in Hubballi district in serving boiled eggs to students under the midday meal scheme. The state government had recently allocated funds for kitchen equipment and gas connections to schools, but the ongoing crisis has disrupted the implementation of this initiative.
Impact on Midday Meal Scheme
School managements have long been requesting the government to provide cooking gas and necessary tools to boil eggs for students. Although the government finally released funds to purchase these tools, schools now face a new hurdle due to the freeze on new gas connections. With schools scheduled to reopen on May 29, administrators are growing increasingly concerned about meeting nutritional requirements.
Budget Allocation and Current Status
As part of the 2025-26 budget, a grant was deposited to ensure that all 991 schools in the district receive LPG cylinders for boiling eggs, which serve as a supplementary nutritious food under the midday meal scheme. However, without new gas connections, the supply of boiled eggs remains uncertain.
Official Response
Roopa Puramkar, Education Officer of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakthi Nirman (midday meal) program, confirmed that the government has halted new gas connections due to the crisis. She stated, "I had written separate letters to HP Gas Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited on March 31, requesting new connections for schools. Deputy Commissioner Snehal R also urged the corporations to provide new connections."
Previous Arrangements and Current Challenges
Puramkar explained that earlier, most schools sourced boiled eggs from contractors, while midday meal workers in some schools were tasked with boiling the eggs. She added, "Later, we requested that proper kitchen tools and gas be provided to schools to ensure boiled eggs are supplied to students."
Concerns from School Management
Fakkirayya Hiremath, President of the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) at Government School Chalamati, emphasized the urgency: "New gas connections are essential, and schools will reopen on May 29. Officials must coordinate with oil corporations to provide new connections before schools reopen. If not, we will have to find alternative ways to boil the eggs."
