In brief
Over 100 children became ill after deadly food contamination, prompting widespread outrage and protests within the community.
In a shocking incident in Mokama, Bihar, more than 100 schoolchildren fell ill after a dead snake was allegedly found in their school lunch. Reports indicate that a cook served the meal to approximately 500 children after removing the snake, an act that has drawn condemnation and prompted an investigation by India's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Local residents expressed their outrage by blocking a nearby road following the health crisis. The NHRC’s statement underscored the seriousness of the situation, highlighting a potential violation of the students' human rights. The commission called for a comprehensive report from state officials within two weeks, which will include health updates on the affected children.The Mid-Day Meal scheme, designed to provide free lunches to children from low-income families, was initiated in Chennai in 1925 to combat hunger and encourage school attendance. While hailed as one of the world's largest nutrition programs, the scheme has faced criticism for food safety issues, including previous lethal incidents. In 2013, the deaths of 23 children in Bihar were attributed to contaminated food, with subsequent tests revealing dangerously high pesticide levels.
