Overview

• A mid-day meal at a government school in Mokama, Patna, allegedly contained a dead snake, which was removed before being served to students on April 24, 2025.
• Over 100 of the approximately 500 students who consumed the meal reportedly fell ill, prompting community protests and road blockages by villagers.
• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, citing potential violations of children's rights to safety and nutrition.
• Notices have been issued to the Bihar Chief Secretary and Patna's Senior Superintendent of Police, requiring a detailed report, including the health status of the affected children, within two weeks.
• The incident has reignited concerns over food safety and hygiene in India's mid-day meal program, a critical initiative aimed at improving child nutrition and school attendance.