Key Update

Students at a Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Urdu school in Kharalwadi in Pune in Maharashtra, were reportedly served a mid-day meal containing insects on Saturday morning, prompting an official inquiry. The incident came to light around 9.50 am when students noticed insects in their breakfast and immediately alerted teachers. Staff later documented the issue, and photographs of the contaminated food circulated, triggering public outrage and a formal complaint to the civic administration.

Authorities Order Inquiry

Following the complaint, deputy commissioner Mamta Shinde confirmed that the administration has taken note of the issue. She stated that officials will conduct a detailed inquiry and take appropriate action against those found responsible.

Advocate Sagar Charan, former vice-chairman of the PCMC health department grievance redressal committee, submitted a written complaint to municipal commissioner Vijay Suryawanshi, urging urgent action. In his complaint dated April 18, he described the incident as a serious lapse and alleged negligence in sanitation and food safety compliance.

Meal Supplied Under Government Scheme

Officials said the co-educational school, which caters to students from Classes I to VIII and has over 300 students, receives meals under the mid-day meal scheme supplied through the Pune Zilla Parishad. DV Bhogawade, joint commissioner (food), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pune region, confirmed that a team will visit the school. He added that authorities will take action under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act after the inspection.

Source: Hindustan Times