Govt seeks reply from 30 districts over midday meal

Patna: The state education department has sought explanations from officials in 30 districts after a review found the midday meal scheme was operational in 85% or fewer schools in these districts till 4pm on Oct 22. The shortfall was flagged during a review of data on the e-Shiksha Kosh portal.In a letter dated Oct 23, midday meal scheme director Vinayak Mishra sought explanations from the district programme officers and district programme managers. The letter said the review was conducted through a video conference and the level of operation was below the target of 100%.“The above-mentioned situation, in which the Mid-Day Meal Scheme was not being operated in 100% of schools, reflects negligence and disregard for departmental instructions,” Mishra stated in the letter. He directed officials to ensure the scheme’s operation in all schools under their jurisdiction within two days of receiving the letter.The shortfall comes amid recurring concerns over the quality and safety of meals served to schoolchildren in Bihar. Several districts have reported complaints involving insects, lizards and snakes in meals, as well as children falling ill.In May 2026, more than 150 students fell ill after consuming the midday meal at a govt middle school in Saharsa, amid allegations of contamination by an insect or snake. In Feb, 70 students fell ill at a govt school in Madhepura, with a lizard suspected to have contaminated the food. In Sept 2024, 23 students fell ill after a lizard was found in the meal at a school in Nalanda. In May 2023, 98 children fell ill in Araria after a dead snake was allegedly found in the food.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Patna | Silver Rate in Patna | Bank Holidays in Patna | Public Holidays in Patna | Patna AQI | Weather in Patna | Petrol Price in Patna | Diesel Price in Patna | CNG Price in Patna | LPG Price in PatnaStay updated with the latest Patna news. Download the TOI App.