In August 2024, the Azim Premji Foundation signed an agreement with the Government of Karnataka to support the state’s mid-day meal programme.
The Foundation pledged a sum of INR 1,500 crore over three years in order to provide eggs to students from LKG to Grade X (K-10) in government and government-aided schools across all 31 districts in Karnataka.
The programme was officially launched on 25 September 2024 by the Minister of Education in Yadgir, with parallel launches across Karnataka.
The initiative covers approximately 55 lakh students, ensuring nutritional support on all six school days of the week. Previously, eggs were provided twice a week. The Foundation’s grant covers the costs for the remaining four days.
Currently, the mid-day meal programme in each state has two parts: a standard meal (e.g., rice and dal/ sambhar or roti and vegetables), and a supplement of fruit, milk or eggs on some or all days. Eggs have a strong nutritional value and can improve health outcomes in children. Including eggs in the mid-day meal programme will significantly benefit a student’s health and well-being.
