Munger: The Bihar Education Department has taken disciplinary action against two teachers after the mid-day meal (MDM) scheme remained suspended for 51 days at Ram Biharpur Primary School in Haveli Kharagpur block of Munger district.
In-charge headteacher Bhupendra Kumar Das and assistant teacher Swadesh Kumar have been suspended following a departmental inquiry into the prolonged disruption of the meal programme.
Dispute Over MDM Affected Students
According to the department, the two teachers had been involved in a prolonged dispute over the operation of the MDM programme. The disagreement eventually affected the students, who were deprived of meals provided under the government scheme for 51 days.
The MDM service was eventually resumed on the 52nd day. Local residents, who were reportedly unhappy with the situation at the school, had also locked the school premises in protest.
Teachers Blamed Each Other
The two teachers reportedly made allegations against each other over responsibility for running the MDM programme.
Bhupendra Kumar Das said he took charge of the school on July 30, 2025, but claimed that Swadesh Kumar continued to operate the MDM system even after the change in charge. According to Das, meals were being prepared until July 1, after which the service stopped.
Swadesh Kumar, however, denied having responsibility for operating the MDM programme.
The continuing dispute reportedly affected the overall functioning and atmosphere of the school. Villagers also alleged that the teachers used abusive language and threatened to implicate those who raised objections.
Multiple Attempts Made to Resolve Dispute
District Education Officer Kunal Gaurav said several attempts were made to resolve the dispute between the two teachers.
According to the official, the Block Resource Person (BRP) level made three attempts to settle the matter. Officials associated with the MDM programme, including the District Programme Manager and accountant, also visited the school and tried to restore normal functioning.
However, the situation did not improve despite these efforts.
Department Orders Suspension After Inquiry
Following the departmental investigation, the Education Department decided to suspend both teachers.
The action comes amid the department’s efforts to ensure that disputes among school staff do not disrupt essential services meant for students.
The prolonged suspension of the MDM programme at the school had directly affected children who depend on the government-provided meals during school hours.
