Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday reaffirmed his government’s decision to involve the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in the state’s school midday meal programme, stating that the organisation’s experience in providing nutritious meals and its contribution to society make it a suitable partner for the initiative.
Speaking to the media after participating in the ISKCON Rath Yatra celebrations in Kolkata, Adhikari said the organisation would begin distributing midday meals in schools across Kolkata from August 1, after which the programme would be expanded to Nadia district and gradually extended to other parts of the state.
The Chief Minister said the primary objective of the midday meal scheme is to improve children’s nutritional intake rather than merely provide food. He noted that the programme largely benefits students from middle-class, lower middle-class and economically weaker families, many of whom depend on school meals as an important source of daily nutrition.
According to Adhikari, ensuring high-quality and nutritious food for children is a key responsibility of the government. He expressed confidence that ISKCON’s long-standing experience in nutrition, education and community service would help strengthen the programme.
Adhikari also criticised the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government over alleged irregularities in the implementation of the midday meal scheme. He alleged that reports of corruption in the programme over recent years were deeply unfortunate and stressed that any misuse of resources meant for children’s welfare was unacceptable.
He said the government expects ISKCON to ensure better quality meals for schoolchildren and improve the overall delivery of the scheme.
The government’s decision to entrust ISKCON with the midday meal programme has, however, generated public debate. Several sections of society and public health experts have raised concerns over the proposed vegetarian menu, particularly the absence of eggs, arguing that it could affect the nutritional requirements of children who rely on the scheme for a substantial part of their daily diet.
Responding to questions regarding the state government’s decision to provide Rs 5 lakh to Rath Yatra committees, Adhikari clarified that the financial assistance was intended to preserve the state’s cultural heritage rather than serve as a political measure. He said many traditional Rath committees lack adequate resources to repair and maintain their chariots, making government support necessary.
The Chief Minister also paid tribute to ISKCON founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, crediting him with popularising the Rath Yatra festival and Indian cultural traditions in more than 100 countries. He announced that the state government plans to establish a Heritage Commission and expressed the view that Srila Prabhupada’s residence should be declared a heritage site.
Adhikari participated in the Kolkata ISKCON Rath Yatra for the first time after assuming office. Before the procession commenced, he offered flower petals before the chariot, ceremonially swept the road, visited the ISKCON temple, offered prayers to deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, and took part in the traditional rituals.
Separately, BJP West Bengal president Shamik Bhattacharya, while attending another Rath Yatra event, extended greetings to devotees and said the festival was being celebrated peacefully across the state without any major law-and-order disturbances.
