PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, Dated: 29th June, 2015

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that at least 72 children fell ill after having their mid-day meal in two Government schools in Bihar.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victim children. Accordingly, it has issued a notice to the Principal Secretary, Department of Education, Government of Bihar calling for a factual report in the matter within two weeks.

According to the media report, carried on the 24th June, 2015, 60 children fell ill after consuming the meal at Mathia Middle School, Bhojpur, 60 KMs from Patna and at least 12 children fell ill after having their meal at Musahar School in Aurai in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

*****