Probe ordered after West Bengal school segregates midday meals by religion
Kolkata: A government primary school in West Bengal’s Purba Bardhaman district is under investigation after it has been preparing and serving midday meals separately to Hindu and Muslim students — a practice allegedly in place since 2000.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the school employs two separate cooks, uses different utensils and cooking spaces, and serves meals to students in separate classrooms based on their religion. The school has 72 students — 29 Muslims and 43 Hindus.
District Magistrate Ayesha Rani confirmed that an investigation has been ordered.
School headmaster Tapas Ghosh mentioned that children sit and study together in the same classroom. However, he added, food is cooked and served separately.
“This has been the practice for years. I joined the school a year ago. I tried to intervene but failed. Today, I have called a meeting of parents and local panchayat members. We hope to resolve the issue,” TIE quoted Ghosh as saying.
Ranu Bibi, the cook assigned to Muslim students, revealed that Hindu students do not eat food prepared by her. “I’ve been cooking for Muslim students since the midday meal scheme began in 2000. The utensils and plates used are separate. The headmaster tried to change things, but couldn’t,” Bibi added.
“I cook for the Hindu students. The gas connection is shared, but everything else — from kitchen space to utensils — is separate. It’s disheartening, but what can we do?” the report quoted Sonali Majumder as saying.
Former headmaster Govinda Bhadra, who led the school from 2002 to 2022, acknowledged that the system was in place during his tenure. “Initially, only one cook was employed. When objections were raised by one community, another cook was hired. I tried several times to end the practice and even informed the Block Development Officer and school inspector. But no action was taken,” he said.
Local authorities said they were unaware of the practice until recently. “Now that we know, we will attend the meeting and ensure such a practice is stopped,” said Kanan Burman, Pradhan of Nasratpur Gram Panchayat, under which the school falls.
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Punjab CM Mann lays foundation stone of Rs 14.63 crore sports stadium in Sangrur
Sangrur (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 14.63 crore modern sports stadium here, underscoring that expanding access to quality playgrounds alongside a strong education system is key to steering the youth towards "purpose, performance, and global achievement".
The stadium coming up on 4.38 acres in Satouj will offer professional training and host a wide range of sports including badminton, handball, judo, netball, basketball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, kabaddi and karate, according to an official release.
"It is a historic day for the region as this stadium is coming up at a cost of Rs 14.63 crore. This stadium will be constructed over an area of 4.38 acres, and the complex will host various sporting activities," Mann said.
"The stadium will have a 200-metre athletic track, pavilion for spectators and players and a multipurpose indoor sports hall," he said.
While highlighting the wide range of facilities being created, Mann said professional training opportunities will be provided to children and youngsters in the stadium, adding that this project will ensure that the area emerges as a sports hub.
Emphasising the importance of balanced development, he said, "When there is a good school for education and a proper ground for sports, a child can bring glory to their village, state, and country on the global stage."
Reaffirming the Punjab government's focus on youth development, Mann said, "It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the Punjab government is successfully providing world-class facilities for education and sports."
This project will help in further breaking the backbone of drugs by fostering sporting culture in the state, and it will help in channelising the unbounded energy of youth of state in a positive manner, he said.
Such stadiums will play an important role in helping the youth stay away from the curse of drugs and in order to encourage the youngsters to realise their dreams of winning medals in national and international sporting events, the CM said.
Later, Mann launched an ultra-modern community health centre here that aims to benefit the residents of 85 villages. It is equipped with round-the-clock emergency services, surgical facilities, treatment for serious illnesses and specialist care for children, he said.
Mann alleged that previous governments neglected regions like Dirba and kept development restricted. He said his government is reversing this by investing public money back into villages through hospitals, schools, libraries and roads.
"To impart quality health services to people, we have dedicated the CHC at village Kauhrian... This ambitious project has been completed at a cost of Rs 13.23 crore and the centre has a capacity of 30 beds," he said.
He further noted, "The CHC will also have paediatric specialists for treating children's diseases, and free treatment along with all necessary tests for mothers and children will be provided."
Mann added that dental treatment will also be provided by a specialist at the facility.
