Koppal: A video showing worms in children’s lunch at the Old Ningapura Government School in Koppal Taluk has gone viral, raising serious concerns over the health and hygiene of mid-day meals provided to students.

School authorities stated that the rice served to children is supplied by Akshara Dasoha, and may have been stored for a long time before cooking. Parents and students have expressed alarm over the incident, questioning the safety of meals provided under the government scheme.

How did worms end up in the meals?

According to reports, students noticed cooked worms in their hot lunch and immediately informed staff and parents. Children quickly discarded the contaminated rice and raised concerns with school authorities.

Parents allege that the staff responsible for checking the quality of rice are not performing their duties. 

Who is responsible and what action is being taken?

Hanumanthappa Hatti, chairman of the school development committee, confirmed that the rice is supplied by Akshara Dasoha, the organisation that oversees the mid-day meal scheme. “This matter has come to our attention. I have called the cooks and advised them that the rice or crop should be washed and cooked well. If there are worms, they should be informed and replaced. However, since the Akshara Dasoha officials distribute the rice crop that has been stored in stock, the children have to eat such cooked meals,” he said.

He added that the district administration must investigate the incident thoroughly. “The district administration should conduct a review of this and take appropriate action,” Hatti stated.