An ongoing LPG shortage has forced several kitchens under the government’s PM Poshan (mid-day meal) scheme to switch back to firewood for cooking, raising serious concerns.
The shift has significantly increased the physical burden on women workers, who now have to collect, manage, and cook using firewood instead of cleaner LPG fuel.
Apart from added labour, the move also exposes workers to health risks due to smoke inhalation, reversing progress made under clean cooking initiatives.
Officials and workers have highlighted that inconsistent LPG supply is affecting the smooth functioning of school meal programs, which are crucial for millions of children across India.
The situation underscores the need for reliable fuel supply chains to ensure uninterrupted nutrition services and better working conditions for frontline staff.
