Conflicting Official Narratives Emerge in Chandigarh School Canteen Investigation
A recent inquiry into the operation of a food facility at Government Model Senior Secondary School (GMSSS) in Sector 46-D, Chandigarh, has exposed significant discrepancies in official documentation issued by the Chandigarh education department. Within a mere 48-hour window, contradictory records were produced, placing divergent descriptions on the same facility and recording fundamentally different conclusions regarding its status and legality.
Core Issue: Complaints Over School Food Sales
The controversy centers on complaints regarding the functioning of a canteen or pantry on the school premises and the subsequent sale of food items to students. In response to these grievances, the district education officer (DEO) constituted a formal inquiry committee to thoroughly examine the matter. The investigation has since unveiled a troubling lack of consistency in official reporting.
The First Report: Directive for Immediate Closure
According to the Action Taken Report (ATR) dated January 27, 2026, issued by the DEO office, the inquiry committee explicitly recorded that "the principal was instructed to close the canteen/pantry with immediate effect." This document further adds that the principal "submitted in writing that services of the pantry were discontinued on January 12, 2026." The ATR notably highlights "procedural lapses" and confirms that unambiguous directions were issued to shut down the facility entirely.
The Second Report: Denial of Illegal Operation
In stark contrast, a second report dated January 29, 2026, submitted to the Prime Minister's Office grievance portal by the directorate of school education, presents a radically different conclusion. This report asserts that "the allegation regarding illegal operation of canteen/tea vendor in the school premises is not factually correct." It refers to the facility merely as a "tea vendor" and states that the issue was examined based on available records and statements. Crucially, this second document makes no mention whatsoever of the closure direction cited in the January 27 ATR.
Remarkably, both reports were signed by members of the same inquiry committee, yet they neither cross-reference each other nor present a unified factual position regarding the nature and legality of the school facility.
Principal's Declaration and Prior Inspection Findings
Adding another layer to the narrative, on January 30, 2026, the school principal submitted a written declaration to the Food Safety Department. This document certified that "pantry/canteen services of GMSSS Sector 46-D were discontinued from January 12, 2026," and it bore the official seal and signature of the principal.
Earlier context is provided by a canteen inspection report dated December 19, 2025, which recorded students "buying junk food" and listed items such as "carbonated drinks, chocolates, sandwiches and other junk food" being sold at the facility. Official orders show the school was operational from January 3, 2026, with regulated timings during a cold wave period. The January 27 ATR notes the canteen was closed on January 12, prior to any food sampling or seizure by food safety authorities.
Official Response and Ongoing Scrutiny
The complainant has submitted these contradictory documents to multiple authorities, alleging serious inconsistencies in official reporting and seeking verification of the records submitted to different government offices. In response to media queries, Director of School Education Nitish Singla stated that the matter remains under detailed examination. He acknowledged awareness of the issue at a preliminary level and indicated that the documents would be scrutinized thoroughly before any further decision is made.
Education department officials have maintained that the issue was examined through standard administrative procedures. The matter continues to be under active consideration with the Chandigarh Administration, as the conflicting reports raise significant questions about procedural integrity and record-keeping within the department.
