New Delhi, 17th July, 2013

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo-motu cognizance of media reports that nine children lost their lives and nearly 50 fell seriously ill after consuming mid-day meal served in the Gandaman Primary School, Jajauli Panchayat, Mashrakh Block, District Saran, Bihar. Reportedly, the children, aged 03-12 years, were served rice, dal, potato and soya bean vegetable.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the press report, if true, raised a serious issue of violation of rights to food of the deceased and issued notices to the Principal Secretary (Education), Government of Bihar and Superintendent of Police, Saran, calling for reports in the matter within four weeks. They have also been directed to inform whether any legal action has been taken in the matter. The officers have been asked to inform the Commission the compensation, if any, proposed to be granted to the next of kin of the deceased.
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