The Union government has expressed concern over a recent incident involving a lizard found in the breakfast served to students at the Telangana Model School in Ramayampet, Medak. The Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India, issued a statement acknowledging the situation, stating that the State Government of Telangana has been informed.
The Telangana government confirmed that the incident occurred in the hostel of the Model School. The state government provides breakfast to Model Schools under its own scheme, separate from the PM POSHAN Scheme. They have assured that serious action has been taken against the officials responsible for the lapse in food safety.
The Union Education Ministry reiterated the importance of the PM POSHAN Scheme, which provides hot cooked midday meals in schools nationwide. All states and Union Territories have been advised to strictly adhere to safety standards and ensure the proper cooking and serving of food to students.
The incident unfolded when three students at the Telangana Model School fell ill after consuming Upma, a popular South Indian breakfast dish. While approximately 30 to 40 students ate the food, three exhibited symptoms of vomiting and were hospitalized. Investigations revealed that a lizard had fallen into the Upma during preparation. School authorities noticed the contamination after serving the food to a portion of the students and immediately stopped further distribution.
This incident comes on the heels of other food poisoning incidents in India. In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, approximately 100 students preparing for Indian Army positions fell ill after consuming food from the hostels of a coaching academy. Thirty of these students required hospitalization. Additionally, a tragic food poisoning incident at Shri Yugpurush Dham Baudhik Vikas Kendra in Indore resulted in the loss of five children’s lives.
These incidents underscore the critical need for enhanced food safety measures in educational institutions across India. The Union Education Ministry and state governments must collaborate to ensure strict adherence to hygiene and safety protocols in school kitchens and hostels. Protecting the health and well-being of students should be paramount in every aspect of education.
