Shock in Bihar: Dead snake in school meal ensures mass protests!

Shock in Bihar: Dead snake in school meal ensures mass protests!

In the Indian state of Bihar, there was an alarming incident in which more than a hundred schoolchildren suffered. The cause of these massive health problems is probably in the legacies of a dead snake found in a lunch. The cook had removed the snake before the food was served, but this was not sufficient to protect the children. The incidents occurred in Mokama, a region that has already struggled with various challenges, including poverty.

The Indian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has already requested a comprehensive investigation by the local government and the police. In view of the worrying circumstances, the families of the sick children organized protests that culminated in street blocks through angry villagers. The NHRC demands a detailed report from the authorities, which also includes the health of the children concerned.

school meals and the role of food safety

In many state schools in India, children receive free food to support their education. However, this incident again raises questions about food safety. Bihar is one of the poorest states in the country and is therefore particularly vulnerable to such incidents. The sad memory of a similar incident from 2013, in which 23 schoolchildren died after eating a meal contaminated with pesticides, is still fresh. According to this incident, the Indian government has implemented measures to improve food safety in schools.

The current situation illustrates the need for continuous monitoring and improving school sensation programs. As part of such initiatives, the Happel Foundation Switzerland works with HarvestPlus to ensure healthy and nutritious meals for school children in India. Millions of children suffer from malnutrition, which can result in long -term health consequences. For example, two million children between the ages of 6 and 10 receive a nutritious, cooked meal at school.

Healthy school meals through local agriculture

The school meals in these programs are prepared regardless of gender and social status and are based on enriched basic foods such as corn, cassava and potatoes. These foods are enriched by biofortification with important micronutrients such as iron, zinc and vitamin A. The products come from local farmers who adapt their growing methods and select special, nutrient -rich plants that are at the same time profitable and climate -friendly.

The initiative not only promotes the health of the children, but also ensures the income of the farmers by creating a value chain from seeds to the school plate. While schoolchildren have access to healthy foods in schools, the responsibility for the safety of these meals and the health of the children remains of crucial importance, especially after the recent incident in Mokama.