NHRC issues notice to Bihar government, says 184 students fell ill after mid-day meal

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday issued a notice to the Bihar government over reports of 184 students falling ill after eating mid-day meal at a school in West Champaran.

The commission has sought a detailed report on the matter within four weeks, the human rights body said in a statement.

The National Human Rights Commission has taken note of media reports that 184 students of a government school in Bansgaon Parsauni in West Champaran fell ill after eating lunch on Monday.

Students reportedly complained that their meals smelled of kerosene.

They also complained of stomach pain and vomiting and were taken to hospital, the statement said.

“The committee observes that the content of the news reports, if true, constitutes a serious violation of the human rights of the students. The reported incidents indicate regulatory lapses on the part of the school authorities, possibly due to the preparation and serving of unhygienic food to the children.”

“The committee has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar, requesting a detailed report within four weeks on the matter. It should include steps taken/recommended to be taken to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

“The committee would like to know whether the school complied with government guidance and, if not, what action was taken against the officers/officials who caused the negligence,” the statement said.

The National Human Rights Commission noted that the central government has issued a number of guidelines to all states and union territories regarding food safety and hygiene in the preparation and serving of mid-day meals in school kitchens.

Teachers must taste food before serving it to children and keep records, the statement said.

According to media reports on Tuesday, the students were taken to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Betiya and the Government Hospital in Bagaha. The statement added that the principal of the school had been detained.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)