Saharsa/Patna: The Bihar Education Department has ordered strict action following an incident in which a lizard was allegedly found in the mid-day meal served at an upgraded middle school in Basdeva, Saharsa district.
The incident at the school in Kahara block reportedly led to 25 children being hospitalised, prompting Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari to direct officials to take immediate action and conduct a detailed investigation.
Headmaster Suspended, Three Cooks Face Action
Following the minister’s directions, school headmaster Brajendra Kumar was suspended on Sunday.
The department has also directed that the school’s three cooks be removed from service in connection with the incident.
The action has been taken while the authorities conduct a wider inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the alleged contamination of the mid-day meal.
Meal Supplied to 144 Schools From Centralised Kitchen
According to a report submitted by the District Education Officer, Saharsa, the centralised kitchen operated by the Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Dalit Upliftment and Education Committee in Kahara supplied mid-day meals to 144 schools on September 12.
Following the incident, deductions have been made from the bills related to the meal supply for all 144 schools.
The move comes amid an examination of the food preparation and supply chain associated with the centralised kitchen.
Three-Tier Probe Ordered Into the Incident
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari has directed the Saharsa District Magistrate to constitute a three-tier investigation team to conduct a detailed and impartial inquiry.
The team will examine the circumstances of the incident and identify any lapses in food preparation, quality control, hygiene, supervision or distribution.
The minister has also directed officials to initiate the required explanation proceedings at the level of the District Programme Officer associated with the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
The District Magistrate has been asked to submit a clear report based on the findings and ensure strict action against anyone found responsible.
Minister Warns Against Compromise on Children’s Safety
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said that no compromise would be accepted when it comes to the health and safety of children.
He stressed that providing clean, safe, nutritious and quality food under the mid-day meal scheme is a primary responsibility of the department.
The minister directed officials to fix accountability if negligence is found at any stage, including food quality, kitchen hygiene or the supply system.
Supply Chain and Officials Also Under Scanner
The investigation will not be limited to the school-level arrangements.
The minister has directed the director of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to closely monitor the entire matter. If the probe finds negligence by any official or employee in food supply, quality control, monitoring or follow-up, action will also be taken according to the rules.
Department to Strengthen Monitoring of School Meals
The Education Department has reiterated that providing a safe and healthy environment for students remains a priority.
Officials have been directed to ensure strict compliance with prescribed standards under the mid-day meal scheme, while monitoring of food quality, kitchen hygiene and the wider supply system will continue.
The final responsibility in the Saharsa incident will be determined after the investigation report is submitted.
