Egg Supply Halted to Anganwadis

Egg contractors have suspended the supply of eggs to Anganwadi centres across the state after the government allegedly failed to clear pending bills for the past seven months. Contractors stated that supplies have been stopped from the 15th of this month and will resume only after the outstanding dues are paid. The move is expected to affect the Arogya Lakshmi Scheme, under which nutritious food, including eggs, is provided to pregnant women, lactating mothers and children.

The state has 149 ICDS projects covering 35,780 Anganwadi centres, benefiting more than 21 lakh pregnant women, mothers and children. Contractors said they supplied eggs for nearly 11 months but received payments for only four months, leaving around ₹125 crore in pending dues. Despite repeated representations to the Women Development and Child Welfare Department, the payments remain pending. The disruption is likely to impact the regular nutritional support provided to beneficiaries across the state.