India, Sept. 2 -- The humble batata vada may soon lose its place of honour at government meetings and canteens in Maharashtra. Under a new state policy, even pakodas, cutlets, dhoklas, biscuits and other oily or highly processed snacks served at official gatherings are set to make way for fruits, boiled pulses, salads, idli-sambar and millet bhakris.

The state cabinet on Tuesday cleared a proposal to introduce healthier food options at government and semi-government offices, with the aim of making balanced and nutritious diets part of the daily lives of government employees.

The policy will apply to food served at meetings, programmes, conferences and training sessions, with government departments instructed to promote healthier options...