The Push for More Protein and Energy
To lift children's protein and energy intake, Odisha strengthened its weekly menu to include eggs on several days and a nutrition-rich laddoo on others. These additions are among the most visible improvements to the meal in recent years and are aimed squarely at meeting the protein norm and reducing micronutrient deficiencies.
When the Egg Is Served
In the state's weekly plan, egg curry is served with rice on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The egg is a complete, high-quality protein that is easy to cook and well accepted by most children. It carries a per-child cost that is added to the day's total whenever it is on the menu.
When the Laddoo Is Served
The nutrition-rich laddoo accompanies the meal on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday — alongside soybean badi curry on Tuesday and Saturday, and dalma on Thursday. The laddoo adds energy and micronutrients and is costed per piece, commonly around ₹3.50, which is included in the day's calculation on laddoo days.
Alternative for Non-Egg Eaters
Children who do not eat eggs are not left out. Schools provide a suitable vegetarian alternative on egg days so that every child receives a comparable supplement. This keeps the meal inclusive while still pursuing the nutrition goals.
Impact on Daily Calculation
Because the egg and laddoo each carry a cost and appear only on certain days, the day's total varies with the weekday even when attendance is unchanged. A correct calculation must include the egg on egg days and the laddoo on laddoo days, and exclude them otherwise. The calculator detects the weekday and applies the right supplement automatically, so you never have to track the policy by hand.
Recording the Supplement
Schools should record the egg and laddoo served just as they record the rest of the meal, so that consumption, cost and the daily report all agree. Keeping this record also supports inspection, since the supplement is a specific, costed item that auditors may check against the menu for the day.