Starting from Bihar the Government Scheme of Midday Meal to serve food to the school children showed dirty face in its implementations took rounds in the Country.  It went to Nayveli in Tamilnadu, then Goa and yesterday it went to Chhattisgarh.  The children started vomiting soon after they started taking food in Chhattisgarh.   Tamil Nadu and Goa and Chhattisgarh incidents only warned the administration but Bihar witnessed tragedy that will remain unforgettable for some for the parents of the 23 children dead in the incident and also to the locals.  

Soon after the news of death of 23 children and hospitalization of about 30 students belong to the Gundaman Government Primary School in Saran District in the State Bihar after taking Midday Meal on Tuesday and still the Head Mistress of the School is not available for questioning and avoiding arrest.  

The tests conducted revealed that the food served was contaminated with pesticide.   Authorities are in the opinion that the tin previously contained pesticide must have been used for storing cooking oil that made it fatal for the children who consumed it.

After that incident the children of the school refused to take Midday meal prepared next day.    The parents of the ill fated children buried them near the school and demanded the school to be closed.  The authorities have taken a decision that the Gandaman school will be merged with the nearest middle school where a good infrastructure of midday meal arrangements will be ensured.

In addition to the maintenance of hygiene, the quality of the food items also should be controlled to ensure safety.  

(AW-Srija)