A significant controversy has erupted following the discovery that nutritious eggs, meant for distribution through government programs, were being sold at a private restaurant in Thuraiyur, Tiruchi. The Tamil Nadu government, which provides free eggs as part of the mid-day meal scheme in more than 25 Anganwadi centers, orphanages, government schools, and government-aided schools in the Tiruchi district, has now launched a full-scale investigation into the incident.
#JUSTIN | சத்துணவு முட்டை – உணவகத்திற்கு சீல்#Egg | #TNGovt | #Hotel pic.twitter.com/HMCXZv8OfZ
— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) September 19, 2024
The Tamil Nadu government distributes eggs as part of its nutrition programme aimed at enhancing the health of children in Anganwadi centers and schools. These nutritious eggs are provided daily as part of free lunches to ensure that children receive essential dietary benefits. The distribution program, which covers a large part of the state, is a crucial component of the government’s efforts to improve public health.
The Allegation
A private restaurant, located on the road from Thuraiyur to Trichy, was found to be purchasing nutritious eggs marked with the Tamil Nadu government’s stamp. The eggs, purchased at a suspiciously low price of ₹2 per egg, were reportedly being used to prepare various dishes, including omelettes, which were sold to the public at a high price. Community activists and locals expressed their outrage, alleging that the restaurant was not only selling these eggs but also receiving other items meant for government programs, such as palm oil, rice, and pulses.
Official Action Taken
After complaints were raised by the public and social activists, officials from the district administration and the Food Safety Department conducted a surprise inspection of the restaurant. During the inspection, they confirmed the presence of Tamil Nadu government-branded nutritious eggs. The restaurant was immediately sealed, and the eggs were confiscated.
#JUSTIN | சத்துணவு திட்ட அமைப்பாளர் வசந்தகுமாரி சஸ்பெண்ட்
#Egg | #TNGovt | #Hotel | #Trichy pic.twitter.com/rlYBvFyZwB— PuthiyathalaimuraiTV (@PTTVOnlineNews) September 19, 2024
Ongoing Investigation
Following the restaurant’s closure, authorities are investigating the source of the nutritious eggs. The focus of the investigation is to identify who within the government’s distribution system sold the eggs to the private restaurant. The District Collector has ordered a thorough probe into the matter, while the police are actively questioning the restaurant’s owner to determine the extent of the illegal activity.
Vasanthakumari, Nutrition Program Organizer: An immediate inquiry led to the suspension of Vasanthakumari, a nutrition program organizer in Madurapuri, after it was revealed that she had allegedly sold the government eggs to the restaurant. Vasanthakumari has been dismissed from her post, and a case has been registered against her.
Restaurant Owner: A case has also been filed against the restaurant’s owner for illegally purchasing and using government-provided nutritious eggs for private profit. The police are continuing their investigation into the restaurant’s role in the illegal sale of government supplies.
Public Reaction and Media Uproar
The discovery has caused widespread outrage among parents, social activists, and the general public. Many are angered that nutritious eggs intended for underprivileged school children were being used for private gain. The news has quickly spread across the region, and social media platforms have amplified the issue, demanding stringent action against those involved.
Social activists have urged the District Collector and the Food Safety Department to carry out inspections of other private restaurants in the district to ensure that similar illegal activities are not taking place elsewhere. There have also been calls for stricter monitoring of the distribution of nutritious food provided by the government.
For all the chest-beating that the ruling DMK government does about the noon-meal scheme and providing eggs in the meals for government school children, it seems as if these things are only on paper, and in reality, the eggs meant for the children are being sold to restaurants.
(With inputs from Dinamani)