Contaminated food incidents in gurukul schools flagged as human rights violation
National BC Dal president, advocate Dundra Kumaraswamy approaches State Human Rights Commission
Recurring incidents of students falling ill after consuming contaminated food in government and gurukul schools across Telangana amount to a serious violation of children’s fundamental rights, said Dundra Kumaraswamy, national president of the BC Dal and an advocate. He has submitted a formal complaint to the Chairperson of the Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TSHRC), seeking urgent intervention.
Citing Article 21 of the Constitution, Mr. Kumaraswamy stated that the State is constitutionally bound to ensure the right to life, health and dignity of students. However, repeated food poisoning incidents within government-run institutions indicate systemic negligence, putting children’s lives at risk, he said.
Referring to incidents reported on December 12, he noted that at the Madhapur Government School (Chandranayak Thanda), 44 students fell ill with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming breakfast and mid-day meals, necessitating hospitalisation. Some students had to be shifted to private hospitals due to the severity of their condition. A similar incident was reported at the Baghlingampally Minority Gurukul School, where students required medical attention after consuming allegedly contaminated food.
Mr. Kumaraswamy pointed out that such incidents have occurred repeatedly across the State in recent years, raising concerns over inadequate monitoring and accountability by the concerned departments and officials. He observed that the lack of safety in institutions meant to be under State care poses a serious challenge to democratic governance and child welfare.
In his representation to the Commission, he sought an independent and comprehensive inquiry into the incidents, strict action against officials, contractors and managements found responsible for negligence, and the establishment of a continuous food quality monitoring mechanism in all government and gurukul schools. He also demanded adequate medical care and compensation for affected students, along with the formulation of long-term guidelines to prevent recurrence.
Emphasising the role of the State Human Rights Commission in safeguarding children’s rights, Mr. Kumaraswamy urged the Commission to take immediate cognisance of the matter.
