Kimmane Ratnakar directs officials to upgrade infrastructure, maintain hygiene

Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education Kimmane Ratnakar on Saturday directed officials of the Education Department and teachers to step up infrastructure and maintain hygiene, particularly where the mid-day meals were being served.

He asked the authorities to ensure hygiene was maintained, after visiting the Government Urdu Higher Primary School at D.J. Halli, where children had fallen sick after consuming mid-day meals.

​The D.J. Halli campus has two primary schools, one high school, one PU college and two anganwadis. The Minister was appalled to see garbage strewn around the campus.

'More toilets needed' He pointed out that although there were toilets on the campus, they were dysfunctional. He added that as the campus housed over 2000 students, and it needed 50 more toilets.

"I have asked the authorities to increase the height of the compound wall to prevent others from throwing garbage inside. Security also needs to be stepped up," he said. He said he had asked the community members to step in to ensure that garbage did not pile up on the school compound. ​

​Nearly 360 children were hospitalised on Friday after having midday meals. On Saturday, more children were admitted to the hospital after they complained of queasiness and vomiting.​