The Tripura Human Rights Commission has asked the Director of School Education (Elementary & Secondary Education), Government of Tripura, to submit a detailed report after receiving a complaint alleging irregularities in the mid-day meal scheme and financial misconduct at Mahatma Gandhi Higher Secondary School in Tripura.
According to the proceedings, a group of parents submitted a complaint expressing concern over the alleged supply of unhygienic and unsafe meals to students. They also accused the school headmaster of financial mismanagement and corruption.
The complaint claims that the poor quality of food served under the mid-day meal programme may have caused illness among some students. It further alleges that scheme funds were misused over several years, including claims that the headmaster outsourced meal preparation to a private individual, resulting in substandard food being provided.
Additional allegations include possible misappropriation of admission and development fees collected from students over multiple academic years. The complainants also stated that school supplies such as books, bags, and notebooks were allegedly sold through unofficial channels, generating unaccounted funds.
The Commission noted that the complaint was supported by photographs and media reports and found that the allegations required verification. At this preliminary stage, it has not taken cognizance of the case but has directed the education department to conduct an inquiry and submit a report.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing after three weeks, by which time the report is expected to be placed before the Commission, which is being presided over by Justice Arindam Lodh.
