Over 70 schoolchildren fell ill after consuming a mid-day meal at a government school in Bihar’s Madhepura district. Authorities have launched a probe into suspected food contamination, raising concerns over hygiene and monitoring under the scheme.
More than 70 schoolchildren fell ill on Saturday after consuming a mid-day meal at an Upgraded Middle School located in Karu Tola of Sahugarh under Madhepura Sadar block, triggering panic among teachers, parents, and local residents. The incident has once again raised serious concerns over food safety and monitoring under the government-run mid-day meal programme.
According to initial reports, the children started showing symptoms shortly after eating the mid-day meal served on the school premises. One after another, students complained of vomiting, severe stomach pain, dizziness, restlessness, and nervousness, creating chaos within the school. Teachers immediately alerted local authorities as the condition of several children deteriorated rapidly.
As news of the incident spread, anxious parents rushed to the school campus. Many were seen in a state of panic, demanding immediate medical attention for their children. With the situation worsening, all affected students were rushed to Madhepura Sadar Hospital using government ambulances as well as private vehicles arranged by locals.
Doctors at Madhepura Sadar Hospital confirmed that most of the children are currently stable and out of danger after receiving prompt treatment. However, one girl remains in serious condition and is under close medical observation in the hospital. Medical teams have been monitoring the children continuously, administering necessary medication and fluids to prevent complications.
Following the incident, angry parents staged a protest outside the hospital, accusing authorities of negligence and poor supervision of the mid-day meal scheme. Protesters demanded a transparent and time-bound investigation and strict punishment for those responsible. Many parents expressed fear over sending their children back to school until food safety is ensured.
Preliminary information suggests that the illness may have been caused by food contamination, with reports indicating that a lizard may have fallen into the cooked meal. The food was allegedly supplied through an NGO associated with the mid-day meal scheme. However, officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause, stating that food samples will be examined as part of the official investigation.
Upon receiving information about the incident, District Education Officer (DEO) Sanjay Kumar reached Madhepura Sadar Hospital and reviewed the situation firsthand. Speaking to reporters, he said that a thorough investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the food poisoning.
“If negligence or any irregularity is found at any level, strict action will be taken against the concerned NGO and those responsible,” the DEO stated. He also assured parents that the district administration is treating the matter with utmost seriousness and will not tolerate lapses in the welfare scheme.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the district, with serious questions being raised about quality control, hygiene standards, and oversight mechanisms in the mid-day meal programme. Education activists and local residents have pointed out that such incidents continue to occur despite repeated warnings, highlighting systemic failures in monitoring and accountability.
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The district administration has assured that no lapse will be ignored and that corrective measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. Officials have promised stricter inspections, improved food safety protocols, and regular monitoring of NGOs and vendors involved in meal preparation.
As the investigation continues, the incident stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need to strengthen safety standards in school nutrition programmes, ensuring that children’s health and well-being are never compromised.
