NHRC issues notice to Bihar govt over mid-day meals

The Bihar government was notified by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding reports that 150 children became unwell after eating lunch at a government school in the Narval-Barval neighbourhood of the West Champaran district on June 1.

The incident was reported on June 2 and it was claimed that after eating the food, the students began to complain of vomiting and stomach pain. They were then taken to the hospital, where the doctors determined that the students’ illnesses were caused by food poisoning. According to reports, the children’s parents protested against the school administration.

NHRC notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar over the reported illness of about 150 children after consuming Mid-Day-Meal at a government school in West Champaran.

Details: https://t.co/rD3AiR5h5T@ANI @PTI_News @PIB_India

— NHRC India (@India_NHRC) June 8, 2023

According to the NHRC notice, “The Commission has noted that, if accurate, the information in the media report amounts to a breach of children’s human rights. Food was prepared in an unsanitary manner and served to the children as a result of supervisory oversight on the side of the school administration. As a result, it sent a notice to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Bihar requesting a thorough report on the situation within four weeks.”

The Bihar Chief Secretary is also requested to mention in the thorough report the efforts taken or to be done to guarantee that a similar situation won’t occur again in the future. The Commission also wanted to know if the specific organisation was adhering to government regulations.