West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu on Thursday accused the Union government of providing insufficient funds for the midday meal scheme, claiming the shortfall has affected students at the primary and upper-primary levels.

Responding to questions on sustaining the state’s decision to serve eggs and chicken twice a week despite rising prices, Basu said the government would continue with the current routine. He noted that the state had taken the decision to improve nutrition for schoolchildren and allocated funds “despite constraints”.

“The Modi government is not serious about running the midday meal project properly. Otherwise, why such meagre allocation?” he said.

A senior official involved with the scheme said the state had earlier provided an additional ₹7,562.63 lakh to ensure fish, chicken or eggs were served twice a week. This resulted in an additional cost of ₹4 per dish per student, which is being fully covered by the state.

The official said the scheme aims to improve enrolment, retention, attendance and nutritional levels of primary schoolchildren.

West Bengal Headmasters’ Association president Chandan Maity said the existing allocation was proving inadequate for supplying eggs, chicken and fruits twice a week. He added that the current per-student allocation of ₹6.78 for primary pupils and ₹10.17 for upper-primary pupils was insufficient, forcing teachers and school committees to contribute from their own pockets when required.

Under current norms, the Centre bears 60 per cent of the scheme’s costs, while states contribute the remaining 40 per cent.

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