Telangana contractors supply underweight eggs to students
HYDERABAD: Contractors supplying eggs to anganwadi centres, gurukuls and hostels across Telangana are facing allegations of delivering underweight eggs in violation of government norms.
Underweight eggs supplied despite clear norms
According to state guidelines, each egg supplied to government institutions must weigh 45–52 grams. Field inspections, however, found that many eggs being delivered weigh only 30–40 grams.
Across the state, contractors supply 5.38 crore eggs every month. For the first time, unified tenders were issued under district purchase committees, resulting in a single contractor per district supplying eggs to all state-run institutions.
Officials said the government pays ₹5.50–₹6.30 per egg, yet contractors are allegedly ignoring mandatory specifications.
Small ‘bullet eggs’ enter welfare supply chain
Poultry experts said contractors are sourcing what the industry calls bullet eggs—small eggs laid by hens aged 23–25 weeks. These eggs naturally weigh 30–40 grams, remain small for about 35–40 days, and contain lower nutritional value than regular eggs.
As demand for normal eggs remains high in markets in Delhi, Mumbai and overseas, suppliers reportedly divert these small, low-demand eggs to government institutions at cheaper procurement prices.
Even though G.O. Ms 16 mandates strict quality checks, officials of the women and child welfare department and the gurukula societies are allegedly not enforcing compliance. In several places, officers who objected were reportedly ignored by large contractors.
Fewer supply cycles, stale eggs reaching students
Contractors are required to supply eggs three times a month, once every ten days. Many, however, are supplying only once or twice a month to cut transport costs.
This has resulted in spoiled eggs reaching students, leading to cases of food poisoning and hospitalisation in some hostels.
Although only Agmark certified eggs should be delivered, the rule is reportedly being overlooked.
‘Action will be taken,’ say officials
Women and Child Welfare Department Commissioner Shruti Oza said strict action would be initiated against contractors supplying small or spoiled eggs. “We have ordered inspections across all centres. Action will be taken based on the reports,” she said.
Joint Director Akkeshwar Rao said contractors had informed officials that they were supplying eggs only twice a month. “We will ensure they supply three times a month as mandated,” he added.
