In brief
India's National Human Rights Commission is conducting an investigation after reports surfaced of more than 100 children falling ill from a school meal that contained a dead snake.
In Mokama, Bihar, it is alleged the cook served the meal after removing the snake, resulting in severe reactions from students. Approximately 500 children were served the meal, prompting local protests as parents expressed outrage. The NHRC stated that the situation, if verified, poses a serious violation of children's rights and has requested a comprehensive report from local officials, detailing children's health conditions. The Mid-Day Meal scheme, which provides free meals to poor students, was first established in Chennai in 1925 and has faced various hygiene issues over the years. The scheme aims to reduce hunger and improve school attendance. However, a similar case in 2013, where contaminated food led to the deaths of 23 schoolchildren in Bihar, highlights ongoing concerns about food safety in school meal programs. Authorities confirmed that toxic pesticide levels were blamed in that incident.
