UP schoolchildren stop DM’s vehicle, allege assault and poor mid-day meals

A group of schoolchildren in Uttar Pradesh’s Hamirpur stopped District Magistrate Ashok Kumar’s vehicle during his inspection of a government school and complained about alleged physical assault, inadequate teaching staff and poor-quality mid-day meals, officials said on Thursday.

The incident took place on Wednesday when Kumar visited primary and upper-primary schools in Patara village under the Kurara area.

During his inspection, the DM reviewed cleanliness and other arrangements and interacted with students. As he was leaving, some children who had apparently not spoken to him earlier stopped his vehicle and raised several concerns.

The students alleged that children were being beaten at the school and claimed there were insufficient teachers and teaching resources. They also complained about the quality of food served under the mid-day meal programme, alleging that buttermilk was being mixed with the milk provided to students.

Kumar directed the concerned officials to immediately investigate the allegations and take appropriate action.

“The complaints made by the children have been taken seriously,” Kumar said, adding that anyone found responsible after the inquiry would face action.

The allegations are yet to be established, and the administration’s inquiry is expected to determine whether the complaints are substantiated.