Overview

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into reports of over 100 children falling ill after eating a contaminated mid-day meal in a government school in Mokama, Bihar, on April 24, 2025.
• A cook reportedly served the meal after removing a dead snake found in the food, raising serious concerns about food safety and hygiene practices in India's mid-day meal program.
• About 500 students consumed the meal, with at least two dozen requiring hospitalization for symptoms like dizziness and vomiting.
• Villagers expressed outrage over the incident by blocking National Highway 31 in protest, demanding accountability and improved safety measures.
• The NHRC has issued notices to Bihar's Chief Secretary and Patna's Senior Superintendent of Police, requesting a detailed report on the incident and the children's health status by mid-May.