In Bihar, school children are fed meals six days a week and every Friday, they are given one boiled egg in their meals. File photo Photo Credit: The Hindu
In Bihar’s Vaishali district, the headmaster of a government school has been arrested for stealing eggs meant for school children under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme. After the video of him stealing an egg went viral on social media, the education department investigated the incident and found it to be true. The incident took place on December 13.
The Education Department on Tuesday issued a show cause notice to Principal Suresh Sahani and asked him to submit his side within 48 hours or face disciplinary action.
District Education Officer (DEO) of Vaishali district Birendra Narayan said Hindu An explanation has been sought from the principal. ‘We have investigated the incident and it is true. After this, I sent him a letter asking for his reply or else disciplinary action like suspension will be taken,’ said Mr. Narayan.
Children up to class 8 study in a secondary school in Rikhar village of Lalganj subdivision, about 48 km from the state capital Patna. In the purported video, Mr. Sahani is seen sitting with an egg in a carrier bag as the van carrying MDM (mid-day meal) arrives at the school premises.
In the investigation report, it is mentioned that Sahni tried to tarnish the image of the department by misappropriating government resources and adversely affecting the health of students.
The villagers have demanded action
According to the MDM scheme, school children are fed six days a week and every Friday, they are given one boiled egg in their meal. Even those who do not eat mangoes are given sweet lime. Eggs contain quality protein, vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants as part of a plan to eradicate malnutrition, anemia and protein deficiency in children.
After the video was released, the villagers staged a protest demanding action against the headmaster. They said that it was not appropriate for the principal to take away the eggs as they were for the children’s nutrition.
Requesting anonymity, many students said that they do not get food daily as prescribed by the Bihar government under the MDM scheme. Sometimes, green vegetables or eggs are not served. They say that in Khichdi, sharp (mashed potatoes) have been found missing many times.
Sources in the education department said there is a high possibility that the principal will be pardoned for his actions as he will retire in January 2025. Suspension or any other action may affect his post-retirement benefits.
Several attempts to contact Mr Sahani were futile. The DEO said that he did not respond to the notice until this report was prepared.
published – December 19, 2024 at 07:10 am IST