What Caused the Hospitalization of 15 School Children in Bengal's Mathurapur?
Synopsis
A troubling incident unfolded in Mathurapur, West Bengal, where 15 school children fell ill after consuming a contaminated midday meal. This alarming event triggered protests from parents and raised serious concerns about food safety in schools. Read on to understand the unfolding situation and its implications for student welfare.
Key Takeaways
15 children hospitalized due to contaminated midday meal.
Protests ensued from parents demanding accountability.
School officials acknowledged the issue and started an investigation.
Authorities confirmed that all children are now out of danger .
Incident raises serious food safety concerns in schools.
Kolkata, Nov 4 (NationPress) Tension escalated in Mathurapur, located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, this Tuesday when 15 school children required hospitalization after consuming an infected midday meal, according to officials.
The incident occurred at Khudadadpur Primary School in Mathurapur Block-I. Currently, the affected children are receiving treatment at the Mathurapur Rural Hospital.
Thankfully, an official from the district administration confirmed that all of them are out of danger.
The situation grew tense as the children were hospitalized due to the contaminated meal.
Parents of the students organized a protest outside the school, even locking the main gate, which trapped the teaching and non-teaching staff inside for several hours.
Local police from the Mathurapur Police Station were called in to negotiate with the protesting guardians and urged them to unlock the school.
After a few hours of discussions, the guardians agreed to end the protest and open the gate.
Once the gate was opened, the staff members exited the school premises.
“The midday meal served to the children on Tuesday was infested with worms. They began vomiting and experiencing severe stomach pain after eating,” said an upset guardian.
The headmistress of the school, Uma Pal, acknowledged the issue with the quality of the meal served that day. “I have already informed my superiors about this problem,” she stated.
Meanwhile, an investigation at the block level has commenced.
Point of View
It's crucial to understand that food safety in schools is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The incident in Mathurapur highlights the vulnerabilities in our midday meal programs, necessitating rigorous standards and oversight to protect our children. NationPress stands firmly in advocating for the health and safety of students across India.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Mathurapur?
In Mathurapur, 15 school children were hospitalized after consuming a contaminated midday meal.
What actions are being taken regarding the incident?
An investigation at the block level has begun, and school officials are addressing the quality issues of the meals.
How are the children who were hospitalized now?
The children are currently under treatment at the Mathurapur Rural Hospital and are reported to be out of danger.
Why did parents protest?
Parents protested due to concerns over the health and safety of their children after the hospitalization incident.
What did the school headmistress say?
The headmistress acknowledged the issue with the midday meal and reported the matter to higher authorities.
