PATNA: The
National Human Rights Commission
(
NHRC
) has initiated suo motu cognizance based on a TOI report revealing that 184 students of a government-run upgraded middle school in Bansgaon Parsauni,
West Champaran
district, fell ill after consuming mid-day meals on February 5.
The Commission has issued a notice to the state's chief secretary, demanding a comprehensive report on the matter within four weeks. The report should detail the steps taken or proposed to prevent such incidents from recurring, and whether the school is adhering to the Union government's guidelines. If not, the Commission seeks information on actions taken against the responsible officers/officials for negligence.
The TOI report, published on February 6, highlighted that the students complained of a smell of kerosene oil from the meal, leading to stomach aches and vomiting. The Commission views this incident as a serious violation of the students' human rights, indicating a supervisory lapse in ensuring the preparation and serving of hygienic food.
The NHRC notice underscores the mandatory guidelines from the Government of India regarding food safety and hygiene in school kitchens for Mid-Day Meal preparation. It emphasizes the necessity of teachers tasting the food and maintaining records before serving it to children.
Following the incident, the West Champaran district magistrate ordered an inquiry by the district education officer (DEO). Based on the
DEO
report, the district administration suspended the school headmaster, Sujit
Kumar Ram
, and removed the cook responsible for preparing the meal.
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