West Bengal Hands ISKCON Mid-Day Meal Responsibility to Schools, CM Suvendu Adhikari Makes Major Announcement at Rath Yatra
Bharat Newz 24*7
Kolkata: In what could become one of the most significant policy decisions of the newly elected BJP government in West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday formally announced that ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) will take over the responsibility of supplying Mid-Day Meals in government schools across the state from August 1.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of Kolkata’s historic ISKCON Rath Yatra, where the Chief Minister not only participated in the religious festivities but also outlined the government’s vision of combining welfare, nutrition and cultural values.
The decision follows an earlier commitment made during the state’s first full Budget Session after the BJP assumed power. Thursday’s declaration confirms that the government is now moving towards implementing the plan.
A New Chapter for the Mid-Day Meal Programme
Addressing devotees and the media, Adhikari said the Mid-Day Meal scheme is not merely about providing food to students but about ensuring that children receive nutritious meals essential for their healthy growth.
“The objective of the Mid-Day Meal programme is not simply to serve food. It is to guarantee proper nutrition for our children,” the Chief Minister said.
He pointed out that the majority of beneficiaries belong to middle-class, lower-middle-class and economically weaker families, making the programme one of the most important social welfare initiatives in the education sector.
“Most children from financially secure families do not depend on this scheme. Therefore, it becomes our responsibility to provide nutritious and quality meals to those who need them the most,” he added.
Attack on Previous Mid-Day Meal Controversies
Without naming the previous administration directly, Adhikari referred to allegations of irregularities in the Mid-Day Meal programme over the past several years.
“It is deeply unfortunate that allegations of corruption emerged in a scheme meant for children’s food. Misusing resources meant for children’s meals is nothing less than a sin,” he remarked.
Expressing confidence in ISKCON’s ability to manage the programme, the Chief Minister said the organisation’s experience in preparing and distributing hygienic food would help improve the quality of meals served in government schools.
“In the coming days, ISKCON will ensure that our children receive nutritious, high-quality meals. That is our duty as a government,” he said.
The announcement is expected to trigger political debate, as the Mid-Day Meal programme caters to millions of students across West Bengal and remains one of the state’s largest welfare initiatives.
Traditional Rath Yatra Begins with Golden Broom Ritual
Earlier in the day, Adhikari inaugurated ISKCON’s Rath Yatra by performing the traditional ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual.
Holding a ceremonial golden broom, he swept the road in front of Lord Jagannath’s chariot, symbolising humility and service before pulling the ropes of the Rath alongside devotees.
The Chief Minister later performed Aarti before the chariot and offered a full prostration before Lord Jagannath.
He arrived at the ISKCON temple around noon, where he first offered prayers before the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. After performing rituals, he visited the room of ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada, where he offered obeisance and spent time touring the historic chamber.
Heritage Status for Srila Prabhupada’s Room
During his visit, Adhikari announced that the state government would approach the Central Government seeking heritage status for Srila Prabhupada’s room inside the ISKCON complex.
Describing the site as spiritually and historically significant, he said preserving such places was essential for future generations.
“It is our responsibility to protect institutions and locations that have contributed immensely to India’s spiritual heritage,” he observed.
Government to Work with Spiritual Organisations
The Chief Minister also outlined a broader vision for social development, saying the state government intends to work closely with organisations such as ISKCON, the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Bharat Sevashram Sangha and other charitable institutions engaged in public service.
“We want to rebuild Bengal by working together with ISKCON, Ramakrishna Mission, Bharat Sevashram Sangha and other organisations dedicated to serving humanity. Governments alone cannot transform society. These institutions have an equally important role to play,” Adhikari said.
He added that the government’s development agenda would be inspired by the ideals promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where governance and social service complement one another.
PM Modi Extends Rath Yatra Greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his greetings on the occasion of Rath Yatra.
In his message, the Prime Minister prayed for the health, happiness and prosperity of the people.
“I extend my heartfelt greetings to everyone on the occasion of Rath Yatra. This festival is a shining expression of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. The traditions associated with Rath Yatra have inspired generations not only across India but throughout the world,” Modi said.
The Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister for his message and reiterated the importance of preserving India’s spiritual traditions alongside economic development.
A Blend of Faith and Governance
After completing the temple rituals, Adhikari proceeded to the Rath, offered floral tributes to Lord Jagannath and interacted with devotees gathered at the venue.
Calling it “a day that belongs to the devotees,” he also responded to repeated requests from the crowd by singing a few lines of a traditional Gaudiya devotional song, drawing applause from those present.
His participation throughout the ceremony reflected the BJP government’s emphasis on combining governance with cultural and religious heritage.
Political Significance Beyond the Festival
Beyond its religious significance, Thursday’s announcement marks an important administrative shift in West Bengal.
Entrusting the Mid-Day Meal programme to ISKCON represents one of the first major welfare reforms announced by the new BJP government and is likely to become a major political talking point in the coming months.
Supporters view the decision as an effort to improve nutritional standards and administrative transparency, while political opponents are expected to question the implications of involving a religious organisation in a government welfare programme.
With implementation scheduled to begin from August 1, attention will now turn to how the transition is carried out across thousands of government schools and whether the new model delivers on the government’s promise of better nutrition and greater accountability for millions of students across West Bengal.
