The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that students of Classes VI to VIII at a government school in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh have not been served mid-day meals for the last two years. Reportedly, the students wrote to the District Magistrate about their grievances, following which the inquiry revealed false records being maintained to show that meals were regularly served to 200 students.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of human rights. The scheme of providing mid-day meals to students studying up to Class VIII in government schools has been introduced to prevent malnutrition among children and encourage them to attend school. Therefore, the Commission has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to the media report, carried on 27th August 2026, the inquiry found irregularities and alleged misappropriation involving nearly Rs. 14 lakh, including underpayment of cooks and misuse of Pradhan Mantri Poshan Abhiyan funds by the Principal and other officials.

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NSK

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