The Telangana High Court has recently directed state government to submit detailed report by December 2 regarding recent incidents of students falling ill after consuming midday meals in government schools.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice J. Sreenivas Rao expressed serious concern over the incidents and ordered the report to include details of the events, underlying causes, and remedial actions taken by the authorities. The directive came while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed on the issue.
Concerns Raised in Court
The petitioner’s counsel highlighted three recent incidents in Narayanpet and Karimnagar districts where students became ill after consuming meals at government schools. One such case involved 22 students from Zilla Parishad High School in Maganoor, Narayanpet district, who were hospitalized on Tuesday after complaining of stomach aches and other symptoms.
Government’s Response
The government counsel informed the court that investigations revealed some of the affected students had consumed snacks purchased from outside the school, which may have contributed to their illness. He further stated that the government has taken immediate measures to address the situation, including enhanced monitoring of the midday meal program and suspension of officials found negligent.
Petitioner’s Demands
The petitioner urged the court to direct the state government to strictly implement the midday meal scheme as per the prescribed menu in all government schools up to the eighth grade.
The High Court’s intervention underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of meals served to students under the midday meal program, a critical initiative for improving child nutrition and education in the state. The case will be revisited after the submission of the state’s report.
