Hyderabad

The Telangana High Court has expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of food poisoning at government schools. In response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) about food poisoning in a school in Narayanpet district, the court ordered that samples from mid-day meals in all government schools be tested in a lab. The court criticized officials for their negligence and questioned whether they would only act if children died from food poisoning. It emphasized the need for a more compassionate approach, urging officials to consider the welfare of children as if they were their own.

The court also directed the government to take action against responsible officials and report back by the following Monday. This ruling followed a second food poisoning incident at the same school in less than a week, highlighting serious concerns about administrative oversight.

On November 21, 21 students from Maganoor Zilla Parishad High School fell ill after consuming mid-day meals, complaining of vomiting and diarrhea. This followed a similar incident at the school on November 20. Despite earlier actions, including suspending three officials and canceling a meal supply contract, the recurrence of the issue raised alarm.

The tragic death of a 16-year-old student from food poisoning at a tribal welfare school has further fueled outrage, with opposition parties demanding accountability and compensation for victims.