MHRD Dr. Pallam Raju described death of children in Bihar as adverse.

New Delhi: The HRD Minister Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju has described the death of the children in Bihar as unfortunate. Several children at a School in Saran district in Bihar yesterday died after taking the Mid Day Meal.

Talking to the reporters, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju said, that Mid Day programme is integral part of the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan as it helps in bringing the children to schools and retaining them.

He said, a senior official of the Ministry is already in Bihar to personally know the facts. Giving the details of the incident, Dr. Raju said, Rice, Daal and Soyabean was served to children.

As per norms, at least two people, should have tested the food before it was served to the children. FIR has been lodged against the Head Teacher of the school.

Emphasizing the role of monitoring of the scheme, the HRD Minister said, that effort are on to further strengthening the monitoring of system.

On NGOs participation in the scheme, the Minister said, the experience has been good.

This is the largest programme of this kind in the world. About 11 crore children are served Mid Day Meal in the 12 lakh government schools.

Meanwhile, the Secretary (School), Sh. R. Bhattacharya spoke to the Chief Secretary of Bihar. The State government has been asked to submit report on this incident.

What is your opinion on this issue. Do you think Mid day meals are safe enough for students? What initiatives should the Government take to overcome this conflict?

Press Release.