NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Mid-Day Meal Irregularities in Ballia School, Seeks Report from UP Chief Secretary.
New Delhi:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that students of Classes VI to VIII at a government school in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh were not provided mid-day meals for nearly two years, despite official records reportedly showing that meals were being served regularly.
According to the report, around 200 students enrolled in the school were allegedly deprived of meals under the government’s school nutrition programme. The matter came to light after the students reportedly approached the District Magistrate (DM) and submitted their grievances regarding the non-serving of meals.
An inquiry conducted following the students’ complaint reportedly revealed discrepancies in the records maintained by the school. The records allegedly showed that mid-day meals were being served regularly to the students, even though the meals were reportedly not being provided for the past two years.
Taking note of the allegations, the NHRC observed that, if the contents of the media report are found to be true, the incident raises serious issues concerning the violation of human rights, particularly the rights and welfare of children.
The Commission noted the importance of the mid-day meal scheme, which provides nutritional support to children studying in government schools up to Class VIII. The programme is intended not only to help prevent malnutrition among children but also to encourage school attendance and support their overall well-being.
NHRC Seeks Detailed Report Within Two Weeks
In view of the reported irregularities, the NHRC has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, directing the state government to submit a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.
The Commission is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged denial of meals to the students, the maintenance of allegedly false records and the reported financial irregularities associated with the scheme.
The media report, published on August 27, 2026, reportedly stated that the inquiry into the matter had found several irregularities. These allegedly included the misappropriation of funds amounting to nearly ₹14 lakh, underpayment of cooks engaged under the scheme and alleged misuse of funds provided under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Abhiyan.
The allegations reportedly involve the school Principal and other officials connected with the implementation of the meal programme.
Questions Over Implementation of Nutrition Scheme
The reported incident has raised concerns over the implementation and monitoring of government-funded nutritional programmes in schools. The alleged discrepancy between official records and the actual provision of meals, if established, could indicate serious lapses in administrative supervision and accountability.
The NHRC’s intervention places the matter under formal human rights scrutiny. The detailed report sought from the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary is expected to provide information on the inquiry conducted so far, the findings regarding the alleged financial irregularities, the responsibility of officials involved and the corrective measures taken by the state authorities.
The NHRC has emphasised that ensuring access to nutritional support for schoolchildren is an important component of protecting their health, dignity and overall development.
The Commission’s action follows its established mandate to take suo motu cognizance of reports concerning alleged violations of human rights and to seek accountability from the authorities concerned.
