Telangana: Student unions demand action on food poisonings
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2024-11-29 17:45 GMT
Hyderabad: In response to a series of food poisoning incidents in state-run schools, left-wing student unions have demanded immediate action from the government to address food safety lapses in the midday meal programme. They have also announced a statewide bandh of government schools on Saturday to draw attention to the crisis.
SFI state secretary T. Nagaraju said, “Food poisoning incidents have led to the hospitalisation and deaths of students, yet no strict action has been taken against those responsible.” He said the transfer of the Narayanpet district education officer for repeated food poisoning incidents in a school was not sufficient.
The unions said the funds allocated for midday meals was inadequate, and failed to ensure hygienic and nutritious food. “Pending mess bills and increased expenditure due to inflation must be cleared without delay,” said AISF state president Kasireddy Manikantha Reddy.
The unions also raised concerns over the supply of substandard provisions, particularly in tribal welfare hostels and gurukuls, supplied by the Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC). “The quality of supplies is unacceptable, and the GCC’s procurement practices must be investigated. Negligent officials must be penalised,” said SFI state president R.L. Murthy
They also pointed out infrastructure failures, such as non-functional RO water plants in schools, which have left students without access to safe drinking water. “The lack of drinking water and unhygienic meals put students’ health at constant risk,” PDSU vice-president M. Naveen told Deccan Chronicle.
“The government must prioritise the safety and well-being of students by addressing these systemic issues immediately,” said PDSU leader T. Shyam.