Centre issues show cause notice to caretaker after Telangana student finds lizard in meal

The Union government has taken serious note of media reports after a lizard was discovered in the breakfast served to students at a girls' hostel connected to a government school in Medak district, Telangana. About this incident, the Ministry of Education on Thursday, clarified that the Telangana government provides breakfast under its own scheme, separate from the Centre's 'PM POSHAN' scheme, which ensures hot cooked midday meals in schools. The ministry has urged all states and Union territories to enforce safety norms and ensure properly cooked food for students.

#Centre takes serious note of media reports about lizard found in breakfast served in Telangana School. #Telangana#lizard pic.twitter.com/EeZ1icOa5l

— Akash Goswami (@AkashGoswami_g) July 12, 2024

What do the officials say?

According to a report submitted to higher officials, including the District Collector, the DEO mentioned that a student found the lizard in the upma. This discovery prompted the caretaker to halt meal service and take 17 students who had consumed the dish to a health center in Ramayampet mandal. Two students experiencing stomach pain were moved to the District Headquarters Hospital in Medak, while the other 15 were discharged from the health center. Later, 70 additional students underwent check-ups. All were monitored for six hours for food poisoning symptoms, but none were found.

"Except for two students who had stomach pain, the remaining 15 were discharged from the hospital. The two students with stomach pain were transferred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Medak," the DEO reported.

Actions taken

As a result of alleged negligence, a cook and an assistant cook were terminated, and show cause notices were issued to the caretaker and the Special Officer of the Model School Girls' Hostel, according to the Medak District Educational Officer (DEO).

Concerning recent media reports about a lizard found in the Upma at Telangana Model School, the Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India has taken serious note of the situation.

On being ascertained, the State Government of Telangana has informed that… pic.twitter.com/DB4AUvjvsx

— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) July 11, 2024