India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into a disturbing incident in the Bihar state, where over 100 children fell ill after eating a school lunch tainted by a dead snake. The incident occurred last week at a government-run school in Mokama, a city in one of India’s poorest states.
According to reports, the cook serving the midday meal allegedly removed a dead snake from the food before it was distributed to the students. Despite the shocking discovery, the meal was still served to the children. The NHRC, upon hearing of the incident, demanded that local authorities and police launch a thorough investigation. It also called for a detailed report on the health status of the affected students, emphasizing the potential violation of their human rights.
The incident has sparked widespread anger among the families of the affected children, leading to protests and road blockages in the area. Villagers expressed outrage over the carelessness in food safety, particularly in a program that serves free meals to millions of children across India. The Midday Meal Scheme, which offers free lunches to children in government schools, was designed to encourage attendance and improve educational outcomes. However, this disturbing incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of the food provided.
This event is reminiscent of a similar tragedy in 2013, when 23 children in Bihar died after consuming a meal laced with pesticides. That tragedy prompted the government to implement stricter food safety measures in schools. However, incidents like the one in Mokama suggest that more work remains to ensure the safety and well-being of children relying on these meals.
The NHRC’s investigation aims to hold those responsible accountable and ensure that proper food safety standards are upheld in government schools to prevent further harm to students. As the investigation continues, many are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the school lunch system to prioritize children’s health and safety.
