Press release

National Human Rights Commission

New Delhi: 26th May 2026

NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the media report about 60 students falling ill after consuming mid-day meal in the Nalanda district, Bihar

Issues a notice to the Nalanda DM, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that on May 21, 2026, 60 students fell ill after consuming mid-day meal in a government-run school in the Nalanda district, Bihar. Reportedly, the students complained of vomiting, stomach ache, nausea and loose motion, after which they were admitted to different nearby hospitals for treatment.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issue of violation of human rights of the students. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the District Magistrate, Nalanda, Bihar, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to the media report, carried on May 21, 2026, the mid-day meal was served to the students without being tasted by the teachers, as required. After several students complained of illness, a teacher reportedly consumed the food but also fell sick and had to be rushed to the hospital.

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