UP: Principal suspended after video shows students served food by hand

The officiating principal of a government school in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district has been suspended and disciplinary action initiated against a contractual instructor after a viral video showed students being served rotis and vegetables directly into their hands instead of on plates, officials reported.

The video, which surfaced on social media on July 31, was found during a preliminary inquiry to have been recorded on April 20 at the Composite School in Palia village under the Siyar education block, District Basic Education Officer Manish Kumar Singh said.

The inquiry found that the video was recorded by contractual instructor Nirmala Bharti, allegedly with the intention of blackmailing officiating principal Kiran Devi. It also concluded that the school's teachers, instructors and Shiksha Mitra failed to discharge their responsibilities.

Based on the findings, Kiran Devi was suspended on Tuesday, Aug 4th for alleged gross negligence, lack of effective leadership and failing to report the incident to senior authorities.

A departmental inquiry has been ordered, with the Block Education Officer of Navanagar directed to submit a report within 15 days.

Authorities have also initiated proceedings to terminate Bharti's contractual appointment, while a Shiksha Mitra, another instructor and four cooks have been issued warnings.