Kandhamal: A serious lapse in the implementation of the midday meal scheme has come to light in Odisha's Kandhamal district, where tribal students were allegedly served only rice and salt at a government school, triggering outrage and swift administrative action.
The incident was reported from Government Primary School in Shimilipadar village under Jhiripani Panchayat in Tumudibandha block. According to local accounts, children who attended classes on Saturday were given plain rice with salt, raising concerns over the quality and monitoring of the state's flagship nutrition programme.
Acting on complaints from villagers and guardians, Tumudibandha Block Education Officer (BLO) Ganesh Pradhan ordered an inquiry. Preliminary findings confirmed irregularities in the meal distribution. Assistant teacher Sushanta Kumar Kanhar, who was overseeing the midday meal, has been placed under suspension with immediate effect.
The authorities have also initiated disciplinary proceedings against headmaster Mohan Murari Singh, who was reportedly engaged in census-related duties on the day.
The episode has sparked sharp reactions in the area, particularly as it involves children from the vulnerable Kutia Kondh tribal community. Residents have questioned oversight mechanisms and demanded accountability to ensure such lapses do not recur.
Officials have assured a detailed probe and strict corrective measures to safeguard the integrity of the midday meal scheme.