Ballia: A viral video showing schoolchildren receiving their midday meal in their hands instead of plates has prompted disciplinary action against staff at a government school in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district. The officiating principal has been suspended, while proceedings have been initiated to terminate the services of a contractual instructor following a preliminary inquiry into the incident.
The video, which surfaced on social media on July 31, appeared to show students at the Composite School in Palia village being served rotis and vegetables directly into their hands. Although the footage recently went viral, officials found that the incident had actually taken place on April 20.
Inquiry reveals incident dates back to April
A preliminary investigation conducted by the education department established that the incident occurred several months before the video surfaced online.
District Basic Education Officer Manish Kumar Singh said the footage was linked to the Composite School in Palia village under the Siyar education block.
The inquiry was launched after the video attracted widespread attention on social media, raising concerns over the implementation of the Midday Meal Scheme.
Video allegedly recorded for blackmail
During the investigation, officials found that the video had allegedly been recorded on the mobile phone of contractual instructor Nirmala Bharti.
According to the preliminary findings, the recording was allegedly intended to blackmail the school’s officiating principal, Kiran Devi.
Despite this finding, the education department concluded that there were lapses on the part of the school staff in handling the midday meal programme and maintaining proper standards.
Principal suspended over negligence
Following the inquiry, the officiating principal, Kiran Devi, was suspended on charges of gross negligence, poor leadership and failure to report the incident to senior authorities.
Officials stated that the principal did not take appropriate action after the incident and failed to inform higher officials about the matter.
A departmental inquiry has now been ordered to examine the case in detail.
Contractual instructor faces termination
The education department has initiated proceedings to terminate the services of contractual instructor Nirmala Bharti.
In addition, Shiksha Mitra Indrajeet Yadav, instructor Rita Devi, and four cooks associated with the school have been issued strict warnings over their roles in the incident.
Authorities said all staff members are expected to ensure that midday meals are served in accordance with prescribed standards and that students are treated with dignity.
Detailed probe ordered
Navanagar Block Education Officer Pankaj Kumar Singh has been appointed to conduct a departmental inquiry into the incident.
He has been directed to submit a detailed report within 15 days, based on which further action may be taken against those found responsible.
The education department said it would take appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents in government schools and ensure that the Midday Meal Scheme is implemented properly.
Conclusion
The viral video has highlighted concerns over the implementation of the Midday Meal Scheme and the responsibilities of school authorities in ensuring students receive meals in a dignified manner. While the inquiry found that the video was allegedly recorded with an ulterior motive, officials also identified administrative lapses that led to disciplinary action against the school staff.