'No employees banned from eating meat'; Lok Bhavan clears air following controversy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Lok Bhavan issued a clarification following the controversy surrounding Governor Om Prakash Mathur’s decision to ban non-vegetarian food. Sreekumar, the Governor’s Additional Private Secretary, shared a note regarding this on Facebook. In the note, it is said that the Lok Bhavan kitchen prepares food exclusively for the Governor, his family members, relatives, and guests. The note said that it is nothing egregious for the Governor to suggest the food based on his dietary habits and preferences.

Sreekumar:

"When a new governor takes office, it is natural for the officials concerned to discuss what his interests are and what special facilities should be provided. As part of such a discussion, it was suggested that only vegetarian food be cooked in the governor's kitchen since he is a staunch vegetarian. What is unusual about this?

The kitchen at the Governor's official residence is intended for the preparation of meals for the Governor, his family members, relatives, and guests. The food prepared there may be based on the Governor's dietary habits and preferences. This should not be conflated with the dietary freedom of the staff.

All the employees of Lok Bhavan are government employees. They have their own eating preferences. There is no prohibition on them bringing food from home or buying it from outside. Propaganda such as banning employees from eating meat is a misrepresentation of facts."