Karnataka teachers are paying for students' midday meals out of their own pockets

India Dec 18, 2025

Across Karnataka, government school teachers are spending their own money to buy eggs and bananas for students because the official funds just don't cover real market prices.
They're checking banana prices daily, sometimes giving one banana per child, sometimes two—depending on what they can afford.

Why does this matter?

Teachers in places like Udupi and Kalaburagi are shelling out ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 a month from their own salaries.
It's tough on their budgets, but they keep doing it because they know a good meal helps kids focus and show up to school.
Even with delayed or low reimbursements from the government, these teachers are stepping up so no student misses out on nutrition.