The sharp rise in egg prices across Karnataka has placed an unexpected financial burden on school teachers and midday meal coordinators. While market rates for eggs have climbed to Rs 8-9 apiece, the state government continues to disburse only Rs 6 per egg under its nutrition scheme, forcing schools to absorb the difference from their limited budgets.
Government allocation lags behind market rates
According to the latest reports, the price of eggs in Karnataka has increased by nearly 50% over the past year, driven by rising feed costs and transportation expenses. However, the allocation under the Ksheera Bhagya and midday meal programs has remained unchanged. Teachers in government and aided schools are now using their own funds or diverting money from other meal components to ensure children receive eggs as mandated.
Impact on school budgets
An additional expenditure of Rs 2-3 per egg may seem small, but for schools serving hundreds of eggs daily, the cumulative cost is substantial. In a typical school with 500 students, the extra outlay can exceed Rs 1,000 per day. Over a month, this amounts to over Rs 20,000 that must be found from other resources, often the school development fund or teachers' contributions.
“We cannot deny eggs to children, but the current allocation is unsustainable. Many headmasters have written to the education department seeking an urgent revision,” said a teacher from Tumakuru, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Calls for revision amidst fiscal constraints
The state government, facing pressure from rising food inflation and tight budgets, has not yet announced a hike in the egg allocation. Officials indicate that any revision would require approval from the finance department, which is currently reviewing all subsidy programs. Meanwhile, activists are demanding that the allocation be linked to the market price index to prevent future shortfalls.
Broader implications for nutrition schemes
The egg price hike is part of a larger trend affecting nutrition programs across Karnataka. Similar issues have emerged with the cost of milk and vegetables used in school meals. If the gap continues, the nutritional benefits of these schemes may be compromised, as schools may reduce portions or skip ingredients. Educationists warn that this could affect the health and learning outcomes of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
