Inhumane! Chhattisgarh school feeds just rice, turmeric on mid-day meal; Video surfaces

A shocking revelation has come to light in Chhattisgarh, where a government school was found serving a mid-day meal consisting of only rice and turmeric. This incident has raised serious concerns about the quality and nutritional value of meals provided to school children under the mid-day meal scheme.

The distressing video, which has gone viral, shows students at a government school in Chhattisgarh eating rice mixed with turmeric. The video highlights the stark reality faced by many children in rural areas who rely on the mid-day meal scheme as a primary source of nutrition. The incident has sparked outrage among parents, educators, and the general public, questioning the efficacy and management of the scheme.

43 children of Bijakura village in Balrampur, #Chhattisgarh have been eating yellow rice mixed with turmeric, not even khichdi, for a week.
The school says that vegetables have not been available for a week, those running the government should die of shame. pic.twitter.com/vzTNULTiIK

— Bole Bharat (@bole_bharat) July 6, 2024

Government Response

In response to the video, state authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the matter. The local education department has acknowledged the issue and assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible. Officials emphasized that the mid-day meal scheme is designed to provide nutritious food to children and that any deviation from this standard is unacceptable.

The mid-day meal scheme is a crucial initiative aimed at improving the nutritional status of school-age children across India. It not only helps in enhancing school attendance but also ensures that children receive at least one wholesome meal a day. Incidents like the one in Chhattisgarh undermine the objectives of the scheme and highlight the need for better oversight and implementation.

Community Reaction

The community's reaction to the incident has been one of disappointment and anger. Parents expressed their concern about the health and well-being of their children, demanding immediate improvements in the quality of food served. Activists and social workers have also voiced their concerns, calling for more stringent monitoring mechanisms to ensure the proper functioning of the mid-day meal program. To prevent such incidents in the future, the government must take swift and decisive action. This includes regular inspections of schools, strict adherence to nutritional guidelines, and accountability for those involved in the implementation of the scheme. Ensuring that children receive nutritious meals is essential for their growth, development, and academic performance.

The Chhattisgarh mid-day meal incident serves as a wake-up call for the authorities and society as a whole. It underscores the need for greater vigilance and commitment to the well-being of school children. By addressing these issues promptly and effectively, we can ensure that the mid-day meal scheme fulfills its promise of providing healthy and nutritious food to every child.