The Aryavarth Express
Koppal (Karnataka): Outrage erupted in Koppal taluk after worms were reportedly found in the mid-day meal served to students at the Old Ningapura Government School. A video showing worms in the cooked rice has gone viral, triggering serious concerns among parents over the health and hygiene standards of the school’s lunch programme.
According to reports, students discovered dead worms in the hot rice served during lunch and immediately alerted school staff and their parents. Alarmed by the sight, the children discarded the food and raised the issue with higher authorities, alleging negligence on the part of the staff responsible for preparing and serving the meals.
Parents soon lodged complaints, accusing those tasked with checking the quality of rice of failing to perform their duties. They alleged that the rice may have been stored for a long period before being used for cooking and that it was prepared without properly removing the worms, raising fears that some children might have unknowingly consumed contaminated food.
The rice supplied to the school comes under the Akshara Dasoha scheme, which implements the mid-day meal programme in Karnataka. School Development Committee chairman Hanumanthappa Hatti confirmed that the rice is provided by Akshara Dasoha officials.
“This matter has come to our notice. I have called the cooks and instructed them to thoroughly wash and properly cook the rice. If worms are found, they should immediately report it and ensure the rice is replaced,” he said. However, he added that since the rice is distributed from stored stock by Akshara Dasoha, such incidents can occur if proper checks are not done.
Expressing anger over the incident, Hatti demanded a thorough investigation and urged the district administration to review the issue and take strict action against those responsible to prevent such lapses in the future.
