In a significant step addressing concerns over the quality of mid-day meals in government schools, the Chhattisgarh High Court took suo motu cognizance of alarming reports regarding the meal standards for schoolchildren in Bilaspur. The court registered this Public Interest Litigation (PIL) under WPPIL No. 94 of 2024, prompted by a local news article detailing disturbing accounts of subpar food being served in the schools’ mid-day meal program, allegedly causing children to reject the meals, which were then fed to stray cattle.
Case Background
The suo motu PIL was initiated based on a report published on November 14, 2024, in the “Navbharat” newspaper, highlighting severe deficiencies in the quality of food provided by the Central Kitchen for mid-day meals. According to the report, students at the Government Primary and Middle School in Rajendra Nagar, Bilaspur, were served only rice, dal, and pickle of such poor quality that children reportedly refused to eat it. The article further revealed that the rejected food was dumped in a pit near the school, where stray cattle consumed it.
The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad. The court was represented by Advocate General Mr. Prafull Bharat and Deputy Advocate General Mr. Shashank Thakur on behalf of the State of Chhattisgarh.
Legal Issues and Court’s Directives
The court raised several legal and ethical concerns, primarily questioning the standards and supervision of the mid-day meal program in the state. Key legal issues included:
1. Right to Nutritious Food: The court noted that the right to adequate and nutritious food is integral to the Right to Education under Article 21-A of the Indian Constitution. A lack of quality in food provided to children impacts not only their health but also their fundamental rights.
2. Accountability and Oversight: The court demanded clarity on the roles and responsibilities of the authorities overseeing the mid-day meal program, particularly the operations of the Central Kitchen. It ordered a probe into the District Education Officer’s role in ensuring food quality.
3. Animal and Public Health Concerns: The court pointed out the public health implications of feeding leftover food meant for children to stray animals, raising concerns about hygiene and safety.
In an initial directive, the bench ordered Respondent No. 6, the District Education Officer (DEO) of Bilaspur, to submit a personal affidavit detailing the steps taken to address the issue reported by the newspaper. The court underscored the need for transparency in the mid-day meal program, stating, “Children are entitled to quality food as part of their educational environment, and anything less is a failure of the system entrusted with their welfare.”
Observations by the Court
The court expressed strong disapproval of the alleged negligence, remarking, “A child’s plate is not a place for indifference or apathy. The meal provided is not only food but a symbol of care and responsibility.” Such a sentiment underscored the court’s determination to address and rectify any lapses in the mid-day meal scheme.
The case is scheduled for its next hearing on November 27, 2024. The DEO’s affidavit and a detailed report on measures taken to improve the quality of the mid-day meals will be reviewed.
