Punjab: 40 children taken ill after having food at Sangrur Meritorious School's hostel mess; probe ordered
Sangrur, December 2: As many as 40 children of Meritorious School in a village of Sangrur district in Punjab were taken ill after having food at the hostel mess. They were taken to government hospital after complaints of vomiting and stomach pain. As per information, the condition of the students is now stable.
On the other hand, parents blamed the school administration after their children fell sick. Reacting to the development, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Bains has cancelled the contract of canteen.
Parents alleged that adulterated and poor-quality food was being served, leading to their children's illness. The children had been complaining of stomach pain for the past five days, but their complaints were ignored, they alleged.
Some children started feeling unwell during the night, experiencing severe vomiting and stomach pain, leading to their hospitalisation.
District officials also visited the government hospital upon receiving reports of the children falling ill. Currently, all children are undergoing tests. Doctors said 40 students were brought to the hospital, and their condition was stable now.
After the incident was brought to the notice of Education Minister Harjot Bains, he immediately cancelled the hostel mess canteen contract and ordered an inquiry at the district level. An inquiry committee has been formed, with a mandate to submit a report within 24 hours. The minister clarified that those responsible would not be spared.
A team of doctors has also been sent to the hostel to ensure immediate medical attention if any complaints arise. The minister said after verification of the children's complaints over the past five days, necessary action would be taken.
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- With inputs from our correspondent
