Visakhapatnam: Government school students in Andhra Pradesh are raising serious concerns about the quality of midday meals served in schools. Students from ZP High School in Vadapalem, Chinagadili Mandal, staged a protest at the district collectorate, demanding better food.
Poor Quality Food, Health Issues Reported
Students alleged that the food served in their school was of poor quality, with overcooked rice, watery dal, and rotten vegetables. Some even claimed that the meals contained insects and stale peanuts. Several students reported falling sick with vomiting and diarrhea after consuming the food. Despite multiple complaints to teachers and the school principal, no action was taken, forcing them to protest with their parents.
Parents Blame Government Negligence
Parents accused the state government of failing to monitor the midday meal program. They pointed out that under the previous administration, strict guidelines were followed to ensure nutritious meals for students. They questioned whether government leaders would allow their own children to eat such food.
Officials Forced to Respond
As the protest gained media attention, education department officials rushed to the scene. The Deputy DEO (District Educational Officer) assured parents and students that immediate corrective action would be taken.
Concerns Over Public Education System
Since coming to power, the coalition government has been accused of weakening public education. Critics argue that initiatives like the ‘Nadu-Nedu’ and IB Curriculum, which aimed to improve government schools, have been neglected. Now, the poor quality of midday meals is adding to concerns that the government is pushing students towards private schools, benefiting private education businesses linked to ruling party members.
Parents and student unions are demanding urgent reforms to ensure that government school students receive safe and nutritious food.
