The Patna High Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the recovery of small snakes from the plates of children under the mid-day meal scheme in Bihar's Saharsa district. The court has directed the state government to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and submit a detailed report.
Court's Observations
A division bench of Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice Partha Sarthy remarked that such incidents are unacceptable and pose a grave risk to the health and safety of schoolchildren. The court emphasized the need for strict adherence to food quality and hygiene standards in the mid-day meal program.
Incident Details
The incident came to light when several students from a government school in Saharsa complained about the presence of small snakes in their food. The matter was brought before the court through a public interest litigation filed by a local activist. The petitioner alleged negligence on the part of the school administration and the mid-day meal authorities.
The court has also sought a response from the Bihar government's Education Department and the Food and Civil Supplies Department. The next hearing is scheduled for next week.
Government's Response
The state government's counsel assured the court that an inquiry has been initiated and strict action will be taken against those responsible. The counsel also stated that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of food served under the mid-day meal scheme.
This is not the first time that the mid-day meal program has faced controversy in Bihar. Earlier, there were reports of food poisoning and poor quality of meals in several districts.
Importance of Mid-Day Meal Scheme
The mid-day meal scheme is a flagship program of the Government of India aimed at improving nutritional levels among schoolchildren. It also serves as an incentive for enrollment and retention in schools. Any compromise in the quality of food can have serious implications for the health of children and the credibility of the program.
The Patna High Court's intervention highlights the need for robust monitoring mechanisms to prevent such incidents in the future.
