A private school in Noida has triggered a debate with a recent circular requesting that parents avoid sending non-vegetarian food in their children’s lunch tiffins. The circular, issued on Thursday, has been met with mixed reactions from parents. Some argue that the school is intruding on their food choices, while others support the measure saying that a vegetarian-only environment is more suitable for the school setting.

Supriti Chauhan, the principal of Delhi Public School in Noida’s Sector 132, explained that the request is based on practical concerns. She said that non-vegetarian items tend to spoil quickly in the hot and humid weather, which could potentially lead to health risks. The principal clarified that the circular is merely a request and not a rule.

“We have written to the parents requesting that students refrain from bringing non-vegetarian food items to school. This is not a diktat, but only a request. We issue such a circular every year and this year’s is nothing new. There is no ban, no directive, no advisory…only a respectful request,” the principal said, per Hindustan Times.

The circular lists “two key considerations” for the request.

“Health and Safety: Non-vegetarian food, when cooked in the morning for lunchtime consumption, can pose serious health risks if not stored and handled properly, and we prioritize our students’ well-being,” the circular said.

“Inclusivity and Respect: Our school values diversity and promotes a culture of inclusivity. By maintaining a vegetarian food environment, we ensure that all students feel respected and comfortable, regardless of their dietary preferences or restrictions, while eating their meals together,” it added.

Some parents argue that the directive restricts their children’s food choices and point out that vegetarian food also has the potential to go bad. They believe that schools should not dictate dietary preferences.

Manoj Kataria, founder of the Gautam Budh Nagar Parents Welfare Society, said, “Each student at the school comes from a different culture and had different food habits and all should be welcome to practise their own such habits. A request to avoid non-vegetarian food restricts food choices of parents for their children.”

Many parents, however, have supported the move.

“Educational institutions are just like temples for children, and eating non-vegetarian food there is not advisable. Moreover, a majority of students in that school are vegetarians, hence the circular is a good step,” Pallavi Rai, a parent, was quoted as saying by HT.

Dharmveer Singh, the district inspector of schools, noted that if parents have objections to the circular, they can report their concerns to the education department. However, since the circular is a request rather than a mandate, the department will not take automatic action on the matter.