The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken significant action regarding a concerning incident involving approximately 60 students who fell ill after consuming mid-day meals at a government-run school in Nalanda, Bihar. This situation arose on May 21, prompting the NHRC to issue a notice to the Nalanda District Magistrate, requiring a comprehensive report within two weeks. The commission's intervention underscores the seriousness of this issue, which raises fundamental questions about the human rights and safety of students in educational institutions.
Reports indicate that students exhibited symptoms such as vomiting, stomach aches, and nausea shortly after consuming the meals. Alarmingly, the meals were served without prior tasting by teachers, a critical safety protocol designed to prevent such incidents. Following the students' complaints, a teacher who tasted the food also fell ill and required hospitalization, further highlighting the urgent need for stringent food safety measures in schools.
- NHRC's notice underscores food safety concerns — the commission seeks to hold local authorities accountable for student health.
- Previous incidents raise alarms — similar cases of food poisoning in Bihar schools have occurred, necessitating urgent reforms.
- Government's mid-day meal scheme under scrutiny — the quality and safety of food provided to students are being questioned.
This incident is not isolated, as previous reports from Bihar indicate other alarming cases of food-related illnesses among students. For instance, in February 2025, around 60 students at Shri Chandpur Primary School also fell ill under similar circumstances. In another instance earlier this month, over 250 children in Saharsa district experienced severe symptoms after consuming mid-day meals, which led to their hospitalization. These repeated occurrences highlight the persistent challenges faced by the mid-day meal scheme in ensuring food safety and hygiene.
The NHRC, established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, aims to promote and protect human rights in India. It has the authority to act suo motu, meaning it can initiate inquiries based on media reports or public information without a formal complaint. This proactive stance reflects the commission's commitment to addressing human rights violations, particularly in vulnerable populations such as school children. As the NHRC investigates this latest incident, it emphasizes the need for comprehensive reforms in food safety protocols within government-run educational institutions across Bihar and beyond.
