13th December 2024, Dehri-on-Sone, Rohtas,Mithilesh Kumar: In a concerning incident, over a dozen schoolchildren fell ill after consuming a mid-day meal at the Ramgarh Primary School in Dehri block’s Dahaur Panchayat, Rohtas district. All affected children have been admitted to the Dehri Sub-Divisional Hospital, where a team of doctors is currently treating them.
The Incident
As per reports, the mid-day meal, provided by an NGO, included rice, chickpeas, and eggs. While eating the meal, several children complained of stomach pain, followed by a rapid deterioration in their condition. The school staff and local villagers immediately informed senior officials about the situation.
Medical personnel were dispatched to the school, and the affected children were transported to the Dehri Sub-Divisional Hospital for urgent medical attention. Doctors are monitoring the children closely, and their condition is reported to be stable.
Administrative Response
Dehri’s acting Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and Deputy Collector of Land Reforms (DCLR), Abhishek Kumar, confirmed that 18 children showed symptoms of food poisoning. He stated, “Upon receiving the report, we immediately dispatched the Block Officer and Station Officer to the site. A medical team from the sub-divisional hospital also rushed to the school to provide emergency care. The children are now stable, and further investigations are underway.”
Investigation and Accountability
The local administration has launched a probe into the incident. Villagers have submitted a formal complaint against those responsible for the negligence. The District Education Officer has formed a committee to investigate the matter, and officials have assured stringent legal action against those found guilty.
A Growing Concern
Mid-day meals, aimed at providing nutritious food to children, have come under scrutiny due to frequent reports of substandard food causing illnesses. This incident has once again highlighted the critical need for stringent monitoring of food quality and handling procedures in schools.
Conclusion
The prompt action by authorities and medical staff has helped stabilize the affected children, but the incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of mid-day meals in schools. Parents and locals are demanding accountability and immediate reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The investigation will determine the root cause of the contamination and ensure appropriate measures are taken to avoid a recurrence of such incidents.
