Republic Day Meal Served on Torn Notebook Pages Sparks Outrage in Madhya Pradesh
A shocking incident at a government school in Madhya Pradesh has triggered widespread condemnation after students were served their special Republic Day midday meal on torn notebook pages. The disturbing episode, captured in a viral video, has exposed serious negligence in the implementation of the midday meal scheme on a national occasion.
Incident Details and Immediate Fallout
The incident occurred on January 26, 2026, at the Government High School in Bhatigwan village, located in Maihar district. During the Republic Day celebrations, students sitting on the floor were served puri and halwa – traditional festive food – on ink-stained pages torn from old books and notebooks. The video footage clearly shows the unhygienic and disrespectful manner in which the meal was distributed to the children.
Following the video's rapid circulation on social media platforms, the district administration took immediate cognizance of the matter. Maihar District Collector Rani Batad confirmed that disciplinary action had been initiated against the responsible officials. "We have taken cognisance of the incident. Action has been initiated against the concerned officials, and a proposal has been sent to suspend the principal of the school," she stated firmly.
Administrative Action and Investigation Findings
The district administration acted swiftly upon receiving a detailed inquiry report into the matter. Public Relations Officer for Satna and Maihar, Rajesh Singh, provided specifics about the actions taken:
- A proposal to suspend the in-charge principal of Government High School Bhatigwan, Sunil Kumar Tripathi, has been forwarded to the Commissioner of Rewa division.
- Financial penalties have been imposed, including a one-month salary deduction for contract employee and Block Resource Coordinator Pradeep Singh.
District Project Coordinator Vishnu Tripathi, who conducted the preliminary investigation, emphasized that the arrangement violated fundamental norms of the midday meal scheme. "The preliminary inquiry clearly establishes that the principal was responsible for ensuring proper arrangements for the midday meal. Such negligence on a national occasion like Republic Day is unacceptable," Tripathi asserted. His report to the district administration recommended strict action against those responsible.
Broader Implications and Public Reaction
This incident has raised serious questions about the implementation of welfare schemes at the ground level, particularly in rural educational institutions. The midday meal scheme, a flagship program aimed at improving nutrition and school attendance, has been compromised by what appears to be administrative apathy and resource mismanagement.
- The use of torn, ink-stained paper poses significant health risks to children, potentially exposing them to harmful chemicals and contaminants.
- The incident occurred on Republic Day, a national festival meant to instill pride and proper values, making the negligence particularly egregious.
- This case highlights the need for better monitoring and accountability mechanisms in government schools, especially during special occasions.
Public outrage has been palpable, with many expressing concern about the dignity and well-being of students in government schools. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in implementing welfare schemes effectively and the importance of maintaining basic standards of hygiene and respect in educational institutions.
