26 Delhi school kids hospitalised after midday meal
New Delhi, July 11: As many as 26 students of a government school in north Delhi were hospitalised after having their midday meal, prompting the Arvind Kejriwal government to order an inspection of all midday meal kitchens in the city.
Police registered an FIR after a formal complaint from the school authorities.
A police officer said that the 26 students of Classes 6 to 8 fell sick after the meal in Narela area around 10.30 a.m. They were rushed to the Satyawadi Raja Harish Chandra Hospital.
"The complained of abdominal pain, headache, dizziness and vomiting. We have initiated an inquiry to find out if it was due to negligence of the school or food caterer."
As the children's condition improved after a few hours, they were discharged, except a girl Payal who found a lizard in her meal, he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the education portfolio, ordered an inspection of all midday meal kitchens and warned of strict action, including termination of contract and suspension of officials, in case of negligence.
"It is a serious matter. Officials have been told to inspect all kitchens over the next week and take strict action if any irregularity is found. All stakeholders will have to get their act together. Otherwise, they may face suspension," he said.
Sisodia said that the Education Department officials will hold a meeting with those responsible for the midday meal scheme on Thursday.
Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam visited the students at the hospital and said all of them were doing fine. "They had complained of pain and difficulty in breathing," he said.
"We will not tolerate any negligence. We will take strict action against the supplier. It is unfortunate that even after repeated warnings, such incidents are recurring," he said.
Last week, two girls were hospitalised after a midday meal in their school run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The vendor was booked on a complaint by the Principal.
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13 lakh litres of 'Rail Neer' supplied to train passengers daily: Government
New Delhi (PTI): Approximately 13 lakh litres of packaged drinking water -- 'Rail Neer' -- are being supplied to train passengers across the railway network daily, the government informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday.
Apprising the Lower House about the Indian Railways' endeavour to provide safe and potable drinking water facilities at all stations, the government also provided zone-wise details of the water vending machines (WVMs) installed there.
"To ensure the quality of drinking water being made available at the railway stations, instructions exist for periodical checking and required corrective action to be taken.
"Regular inspection and maintenance of drinking water facilities is carried out and complaints are attended to promptly," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while responding to a question raised by BJP MP Anup Sanjay Dhotre seeking to know the supply of drinking water at railway stations across the country
"Complaints regarding deficiency in services, including water supply, are received through various channels such as public complaints, web portals, social media, etc. These complaints are received at various levels, including the Railway Board, zonal railways, division office, etc.," Vaishnaw said.
"The complaints so received are forwarded to the concerned wings of Railways and necessary action is taken to check and address them. As receipt of such complaints and action taken thereon is a continuous and dynamic process, a centralised compendium of these is not maintained," he added.
Providing zone-wise details of water vending machines, the minister said 954 such machines have been installed across railway stations.
"The Indian Railways also provides safe and affordable packaged drinking water bottles -- Rail Neer -- approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in trains and at stations," Vaishnaw said.
"Approximately, 13 lakh litres of Rail Neer are being supplied per day to the travelling passengers in trains and at stations across the Indian Railways network," he added.
