Bailiguda: In a shocking case of gross negligence and administrative apathy, minor students of a Government Primary School at Budaguda under Daringbadi block in Kandhamal district were found having only rice with salt and onion for their midday meals at the school Thursday.
This has come at a time when the government is spending crore of rupees under various developmental schemes to help people living below poverty line to lead a better life.
The state government is spending a lot for students of deprived sections by providing free lodging in school hostels as well providing them with food, uniforms and books to help them study.
The matter came to fore when this correspondent visited the school and was stunned to find the minor kids having their midday meals only with rice, salt and onions instead of the usual menu prescribed by the school and mass education department.
The headmaster Shyamaghana Mohanty did not allow photographs to be taken on the occasion and he even misbehaved with the correspondent. He asked this correspondent to do whatever he wishes as he did not fear anybody. He even threatened the minor kids and tried to silence them when this correspondent sought their reaction on serving of midday meals instead of the usual menu.
This correspondent contacted the block welfare officer Pratap Chandra Mohanty on phone and made him hear the abusive charges of the headmaster. When contacted, district welfare officer Ganeshwar Bharimalla condemned the abusive behaviour of the headmaster while assuring to conduct a probe into the charges. PNN
