Ragi Millet Idli To Grilled Fish: Parliament Canteen's New ‘Healthy' Menu For MPs
Millets, which gained significant national attention during the 2023 International Year of Millets, take the centrestage in the menu.
From ragi millet idli and jowar upma to moong dal chilla and grilled fish with vegetables, the new 'Health Menu' of the parliament plans to serve up a plateful of nutrition for the elected members, officials and visitors to the temple of democracy.
Designed at the instance of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in a bid to support wellness without sacrificing flavour, the revamped food menu would nourish the parliamentarians and officials as they navigate long hours of debate and decision-making during Parliament's sessions.
The Parliament canteen has introduced the new menu designed to offer healthier food options, combining traditional flavors with nutritious ingredients. This initiative aims to encourage a healthier lifestyle in the corridors of power.
Beyond the usual delicious curries and 'thalis', the menu has expanded to feature healthy additions like millet-based meals, fiber-rich salads, and protein-packed soups, reflecting a commitment to supporting better nutrition.
Each dish has been carefully crafted to be low in carbohydrates, sodium, and calories while remaining high in essential nutrients. Besides, the Health Menu has the number of calories mentioned against the names of the dishes.
'Each dish is carefully curated to meet the highest nutritional standards — low in carbohydrates, low in sodium and low in calories, while being high in fibre and rich in protein," the menu stated.
Millets, which gained significant national attention during the 2023 International Year of Millets, take the centrestage in the menu.
Highlights include 'Ragi Millet Idli' with 'Sambhar' and 'Chutney' (270 kcal), 'Jowar Upma' (206 kcal) and a sugar-free 'Mix Millet Kheer' (161 kcal).
Popular Indian staples like 'Chana Chaat' and 'Moong Dal Chilla' also feature prominently.
For lighter snacks, MPs can choose from a range of colourful salads such as 'Barley' and 'Jowar Salad' (294 kcal) and 'Garden Fresh Salad' (113 kcal), alongside warming bowls of 'Roast Tomato' and 'Basil Shorba' and 'Vegetable Clear Soup'.
Those preferring non-vegetarian meals have given preferences like 'Grilled Chicken' with 'Boiled Vegetables' (157 kcal) and 'Grilled Fish' (378 kcal) on offer.
The beverage menu mirrors this health-first approach with green and herbal teas, 'Masala Sattu' and jaggery-flavoured 'Mango Panna' replacing sugar-laden sodas and traditional sweets.
Recognising the urgency of promoting healthier choices, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his recent Mann Ki Baat address, stressed the need for nationwide awareness and collective action to combat obesity — particularly through reducing edible oil consumption.
The Lok Sabha Speaker has been organising regular health check-up camps for parliamentarians when the House is in session. Several experts have also delivered lectures on having a healthy lifestyle and diet for parliamentarians.
Reinforcing this commitment, the government has launched several initiatives, including the Fit India Movement, National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), POSHAN Abhiyaan, Eat Right India and Khelo India.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to be held between July 21 and August 21,
2025. There will be a total of 21 sittings.
(With inputs from PTI)
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