As many as 65 students of a government-run primary school in Banspani village of Betul district were treated to a curry containing dead caterpillars during their midday meal on Friday afternoon.
This is reportedly the fifth time when mid-day meal of the school is infested. Local sources said that many students bring their own tiffin because they were afraid of the infected mid–day meals.
On Friday, the students were served kadi (Indian curry) and pulav as per the menu during the mid-day meal, when students saw dead caterpillars in the curry and complained to teachers. “Students got up one by one during the lunch, a few of them came to me and complained about dead caterpillars in their food. I reported the incident to higher authorities and asked students not to eat their meal. No one got hospitalised or fell sick as we stopped the students on time.” said headmistress Asha Pal.
SR Jhadbade, block resource centre coordinator, said officials have taken samples and are investigating the incident. “Those found responsible for serving contaminated food will be taken to task,” Jhadbade said.
{{/usCountry}}SR Jhadbade, block resource centre coordinator, said officials have taken samples and are investigating the incident. “Those found responsible for serving contaminated food will be taken to task,” Jhadbade said.
{{/usCountry}}The implementation of the mid-day meal scheme in schools of Betul has never been proper, said Sangeeta Bamne of Pallak Sangh. “This school has served contaminated meals time and again. We have reported the issue to the concerned, but no action has been taken,” she said.