In Bihar, school children are served meals six days a week and every Friday, they are given one boiled egg each in the meal. File photo
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
In Vaishali district of Bihar, the principal of a government school has been caught in the act of stealing eggs meant for school children under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme. After a video of him stealing the eggs went viral on social media, the education department conducted a probe into the incident and found that it was correct. The incident took place on December 13.
The education department has now issued a show-cause notice to the principal Suresh Sahani on Tuesday, asking him to explain his side within 48 hours or else face disciplinary action.
The District Education Officer (DEO) of Vaishali district Birendra Narayan told The Hindu that an explanation has been sought from the principal. “We have probed into the incident and it has been found to be true. After this, I sent a letter seeking his response or else disciplinary action, like suspension, would be taken against him,” Mr. Narayan said.
Children up to class 8 study in the middle school, located in Rikhar village of Lalganj sub-division, around 48 km from State capital Patna. In the purported video, Mr. Sahani is found taking the eggs in a carry bag when the van filled with the MDM (Mid-Day-Meal) arrives the school premises.
In the probe report, it is mentioned that Mr. Sahani has tried to tarnish the image of the department while embezzling government resources and adversely affecting the students’ health.
Villagers demand action
As per the MDM scheme, school children are served meals six days a week and every Friday, they are given one boiled egg each in the meal. Sweet lime is also served to those who do not eat mangoes. As part of the plan to eradicate malnutrition, anaemia, and protein deficiency in children, eggs are served for quality protein, vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Villagers protested against the principal demanding action against him, after the video came to light. They said that the eggs are meant for the children’s nutrition and it was not appropriate of the principal to take them away.
Requesting anonymity, many students said that they do not daily get the food prescribed in the MDM scheme by the Bihar government. At times, green-vegetables or eggs are not served. They say that in khichdi, chokha (mashed potatoes) has been found missing several times.
Sources in the education department said that there are high chances that the principal may be forgiven for his act as he is set to retire in January 2025. A suspension or any other action can affect his post-retirement benefits.
Several attempts to contact Mr. Sahani turned futile. Till the filing of this report, he has not responded to the notice, as per the DEO.
Published – December 19, 2024 07:10 am IST
