Around 60 students from a government school in Sangrur district, Punjab, were hospitalized due to stomach aches and vomiting after consuming a meal at the hostel mess. Harjot Singh Bains, Punjab’s Education Minister, responded swiftly, with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate initiating an inquiry and the food contractor being apprehended.
The incident unfolded last Friday when 18 students from the government meritorious school in Ghabdan were admitted to the civil hospital, complaining of stomach discomfort and vomiting. While 14 were discharged that day, another 40 students were rushed to the hospital the following day with similar issues.
The District Commissioner announced the formation of a committee, led by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and comprising a Tehsildar and a Civil Surgeon, tasked to investigate the matter. Within a week, this committee is expected to provide its findings, having already collected food and blood samples from the affected students.
Students claim they had previously notified the school administration about the poor food quality but received no response. This sparked anger among the parents, who criticized the school authorities. Minister Bains addressed the situation through a video message, outlining the steps taken, including deploying a medical team within the school premises.
As a precautionary measure, a joint task force involving representatives from the education and health departments has been formed. This team will collect food samples from nine other government meritorious schools across the state to ensure similar incidents are prevented.