Sitapur School Mid-Day Meal Row: Principal Suspended Over Poor Food Quality, Hygiene Lapses

Uttar Pradesh, 6th August 2026: A government primary school in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district has come under scrutiny after a viral video allegedly showed students being served substandard food under the Centre’s PM POSHAN scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal programme. The footage, recorded at Primary School Chhangapur, triggered widespread criticism on social media and prompted swift action from the district administration.

The video showed children being served a thin vegetable curry along with burnt rotis, while journalists and opposition leaders also raised concerns over the hygiene standards in the school’s kitchen. Reports further alleged that students were receiving less milk than the quantity prescribed under the scheme, raising questions about the implementation of the nutrition programme.

Following a preliminary inquiry and a physical inspection of the school, the Sitapur district administration suspended head teacher Kalpana Verma. Officials said the investigation found the quality of food served to students was poor and the quantity of milk distributed was inadequate. A detailed inquiry has also been ordered to determine whether further irregularities occurred.

Apart from the suspension of the principal, disciplinary action has been initiated against the cook responsible for preparing the meals and the Block Education Officer for lapses in supervision. Authorities have also directed officials to carry out regular inspections of schools to ensure the quality of meals served under the PM POSHAN scheme is maintained.

The PM POSHAN scheme is aimed at improving the nutritional status of children studying in government and government-aided schools while encouraging classroom attendance. The latest incident has once again brought attention to the monitoring of the programme and the need for stricter oversight to ensure students receive meals that meet the prescribed nutritional and quality standards.