The ST and SC Development (SSD) Department has decided to issue new guidelines on security of students living in various residential schools run by it. The department’s response came after a girl student died and 60 others were taken ill post dinner on Saturday at the Kendua Ashram School under Ranpur block of Nayagarh district. Department Secretary Surendra Kumar said, “We have asked the Nayagarh Collector to conduct an inquiry into the tragic incident. We are also going to come out with a guideline for the security of the children with regard to quality of food etc. within two days. Responsibility must be fixed”.
A total of 37 students are undergoing treatment at the Nayagarh district headquarters hospital and the Sishu Bhawan in Cuttack after the incident. While the condition of most of the students is stated to be stable, the condition of two remained critical, sources said. Under orders from the Collector a team led by ADM Nayagarh Rabindra Kumar Sahu meanwhile visited the school to conduct a field inquiry. He was accompanied by the ADMO Nayagarh, a food inspector and a sanitary inspector.
Sahu said, “We have recorded the statements of headmaster Krushna Chandra Sahu, assistant superintendent of the hostel Sabita Manjari and cook Mamata Biswal and others. We have also seized samples of rice, dal and edible oil.” The team will be submitting its report within 48 hours, sources said.