Students of Laya and Eggs

While students of Laya Middle Secondary School face challenges, such as the high cost of goods and limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables, the school is not exempt from the government’s nutrition initiatives, according to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD).

Responding to questions on why students of Laya MSS are not included in the One-Egg, One-Child initiative, MoESD clarified that the program, launched in February 2025, is currently implemented in 343 schools across the country. These include primary schools, Extended Classrooms (ECRs), and five special education institutes, directly benefiting more than 31,000 students.

“As per the current eligibility criteria, the initiative covers only primary schools, ECRs, and special institutes, and therefore, does not include middle and higher secondary schools such as Laya MSS,” MoeSD stated.

However, the ministry added that under the revised school feeding program, students of Laya MSS already receive one egg per day as part of their regular menu. The increase in the feeding stipend, from Nu 1,500 to Nu 3,100 per child per month has helped schools improve the quality and diversity of meals provided to students. This has allowed the inclusion of more nutritious food items, such as eggs, vegetables, and fruits, where possible.

Recognizing the logistical and transportation challenges faced by remote schools like Laya, MoESD said that the Dzongkhag Administration bears the transportation costs to ensure all students receive food items as per the national menu guidelines.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) highlighted that one of its key initiatives, the National Crop and Livestock Insurance Scheme (NCLIS), is being prioritized for rollout with financial support from the Government of India (GoI) under the Economic Stimulus Program (ESP). The Nu 800 million (mn) provided by India will support the government’s premium subsidy component of NCLIS, reflecting the strong bilateral partnership in promoting Bhutan’s agricultural development and rural resilience.

MoAL shared the Operational Manual for the insurance scheme, which will provide clear guidance on its administration, eligibility, claim procedures, and other operational modalities, is being finalized. Once completed, the manual will serve as a key reference for implementers and participants, ensuring transparency and smooth execution during the rollout phase.

Although the One-Egg, One-Child initiative currently excludes middle and higher secondary schools, both ministries emphasized that nutrition and food security in schools, especially in remote areas, remain a top national priority.