The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India has taken suo motu cognizance of a disturbing media report that over 100 children became ill after consuming a mid-day meal at a government school in Mokama, Patna district, Bihar.
The incident occurred on April 24, 2025, and has raised alarm over the safety and hygiene standards of school meal programs.
According to reports, the food was served to students even after a dead snake was found in it. Shockingly, the cook reportedly removed the snake and continued serving the contaminated meal to approximately 500 students. The event triggered panic and widespread outrage among parents and villagers.
NHRC Issues Notices To Bihar Authorities
Terming the incident a serious violation of children’s human rights, the NHRC has demanded accountability from the state. In an official release, the Commission stated that the reported facts, “if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the human rights of the students.”
In response, the NHRC has issued formal notices to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Bihar and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Patna, requesting a comprehensive report within two weeks. The report must detail the health condition of the affected children and outline the measures taken by authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.
Community Reaction & Protests
Following the mass food poisoning, local villagers staged protests, blocking roads to express their anger and demand action. The gravity of the situation, involving such a large number of children and a blatant disregard for food safety, has intensified public scrutiny of the state’s mid-day meal program.
The affected students were reportedly rushed to nearby healthcare centers for treatment. While no fatalities have been reported, the condition of many children raised serious concerns about the quality control and supervision of mid-day meals served in schools.
Need For Systemic Overhaul
This incident has once again highlighted systemic failures in the mid-day meal scheme—a government initiative aimed at improving child nutrition and school attendance. The alleged negligence not only endangered young lives but also undermines trust in an essential public welfare program.
As the NHRC awaits responses from state officials, there is growing pressure on the Bihar government to act swiftly and transparently. Parents, rights activists, and education advocates are demanding immediate improvements in food safety monitoring, regular health inspections, and accountability from those responsible for this lapse.
NHRC’s intervention brings national attention to the urgent need for reforms to ensure such a breach of basic human rights does not recur.
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