Animal rights group PETA lauds Madhya Pradesh CM Shivaraj Singh Chouhan's 'no-eggs' stand

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan may have received brickbats from some quarters including his own colleagues over keeping mid-day meals egg-free, but he has been now bestowed with a special award by leading animal rights group PETA for his "healthy" decision.

The outfit, which runs campaigns against cruelty to animals, described the vegetarian Chief Minister's move as a "compassionate and healthy choice". "Thanks to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, anganwadi meals will continue to be served in the state without cruel and cholesterol-laden eggs-- a compassionate and healthy choice that has earned the CM a 'Pragatisheel Award' from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India," a release issued by the NGO on Thursday said.

It said Chouhan has been chosen for the honour for taking a "progressive stand" on anganwadi mid-day meals by keeping them egg-free, which reflects his compassion for animals and concern for public health and will serve as an inspiration for others.

Chouhan, a strict vegetarian himself, had recently shot down a proposal to re-introduce eggs in anganwadi meals, but allowed milk to be served to children and pregnant women at the anganwadi centres in the state. PETA further said that it encourages compassionate and health-conscious people everywhere to follow the chief minister's example by taking eggs off the menu.

"Mid-day meals in the state include a nutrient and protein-rich mix of vegetables, including, potatoes and greens, as well as lentils, chickpeas and soya," the release stated, adding the award will be handed over to Chouhan on Friday.

Interestingly, days after Chouhan disapproved of the proposal to reintroduce eggs, his cabinet colleague Kusum Mehdale urged the people to add fish to their children's diet. In April this year, State Women and Child Development Department Principal Secretary J N Kansotia had asked officers in Alirajpur, Mandla and Hoshangabad districts to send proposals regarding the introduction of egg curry or boiled eggs in anganwadi meals on experimental basis.