‘Bullet sized’ eggs supplied for midday noon programme in some TN schools

NAMAKKAL: Small or bullet sized eggs -- each weighing less than 44 grams -- are found to be supplied to some schools for Tamil Nadu govt’s midday meal programme, though each egg should weigh more than 46 grams as per norms.Eggs for the noon meal programme are sourced in accordance with Agmark standards for 'A' grade medium eggs through a state-level tender, complying with the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act of 1998 and the Rules of 2000.But during a visit by TOI to some govt schools in Namakkal and Erode districts in the last three weeks, it was found that each tray of 10 eggs weighed between 380 grams and 420 grams, which is below the required weight.

An official from the social welfare and nutritious meal programme department said the average weight of 10 eggs should fall between 460 grams and 525 grams. "The relevant district administration has the authority to suspend the supplier from providing eggs to the govt for a period of three months," he said, noting that similar incidents had occurred in the past.Social activist Poomozhi said he had visited several schools in Salem district and found that suppliers were delivering 'bullet' eggs to govt schools.

“Teachers should refuse to accept the bullet-sized eggs. However, they are accepting them for two reasons -- either they are unaware of the egg size or they might be receiving commissions from the egg suppliers,” he said.Poultry farmers in Namakkal, who are supplying eggs for the state govt’s mid-day meal scheme, say they have chosen to provide 'bullet' graded eggs (weighing between 38 to 44 grams) rather than larger ones (ranging from 46 to 52 grams) as it will give them some profit.

Currently, the price of an egg is Rs 5.15, as per the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC). "Although the state govt has established the price at Rs 5.85 per egg, suppliers are only providing us with Rs 5 or Rs 5.05 per egg.

How can we get profit at the NECC rate of Rs 5.15?" asked a poultry farmer. “This is the reason why we supply bullet eggs, which are sold in the market for Rs 4.30,” he added.Director of the social welfare department M S Sangeetha said she had not received any complaints regarding this issue to date. "I will instruct the relevant officials to investigate this matter promptly," she said.