Bengaluru: BBMP spends Rs 24 on dog meals, just Rs 12 on children's lunches!

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is under public scrutiny after details emerged that it will spend Rs 24 per day to feed each stray dog a meat-based meal, while allocating only Rs 12 per meal for children studying in BBMP-run schools.

Also Read: Bengaluru: BBMP’s dog-feeding plan risks worsening stray crisis, experts warn

As part of a new welfare initiative, BBMP plans to serve chicken or egg rice to 5,000 street dogs daily, with an annual budget of Rs 2.8 crore. However, the glaring disparity between spending on animals and underprivileged children has drawn widespread criticism.

Residents are questioning how the civic body justifies spending twice as much on stray dogs' meals compared to what it spends on children’s mid-day food in government schools. Critics argue that many of these children come from poor, working-class families and rely on these meals for daily nutrition.

While animal welfare is important, the BBMP’s decision has raised concerns about misplaced priorities. In zones where children struggle with malnourishment, citizens argue that human welfare—especially that of children—must come first. The issue has ignited a larger debate over governance, equity, and the ethical use of taxpayer funds.

Without addressing core issues like child nutrition, BBMP’s feeding scheme for strays is being seen less as compassion and more as civic misjudgment.