India's West Bengal state will bring back eggs to free school meals after a backlash against a decision by its Hindu nationalist government to replace them with vegetarian alternatives, officials have said. The reversal follows criticism from teachers, nutritionists and parents who argued that removing eggs from school lunches could deprive children from poor families a key source of protein. Under the new arrangement, eggs will be provided separately through women's welfare groups while the charity would continue to supply "pure" vegetarian meals. "The state government will supply boiled eggs separately to these schools by engaging self-help groups from August 1," Adhikari told reporters. "Some guardians requested the government to ensure that eggs were included in the meals," he added.