New Delhi, 28 August (H.S.):

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a case involving the alleged denial of mid-day meals to students of Classes 6 to 8 at a government school in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district for the past two years. The Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to media reports published in connection with the incident, students complained to the District Magistrate in writing after allegedly being denied mid-day meals at the school. A subsequent inquiry reportedly found that false records were being maintained to show that meals were being regularly served to around 200 students.

The investigation also uncovered irregularities and an alleged embezzlement of approximately Rs. 14 lakh. The reported discrepancies included underpayment of cooks and the alleged misuse of funds allocated under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Abhiyan by the school principal and other officials.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar