Dead lizard spotted in midday meal, 30 schoolkids fall ill

Police were informed after they complained of stomach ache

The students are out of danger now. Most of them were discharged after treatment.PTIPTI

Around 30 students of a government school in outer Delhi’s Narela fell ill after a dead lizard was spotted in their midday meal on Wednesday.

They are said to be stable and out of danger now. Most of them were even discharged after treatment.

The police said that they received a call on Wednesday morning regarding the children who were complaining of stomach pain.

Case against supplier

“The children were rushed to Raja Harish Chandra Hospital. A case under Sections 336 [act endangering life or personal safety of others] and 337 [causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others] has been registered against the supplier,” a police officer said.

Social Welfare Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam visited the children in the hospital on Wednesday.

Meet on Thursday

Soon after the incident was reported, the Education Department of the Delhi government decided to hold a meeting with all midday meal suppliers in the national Capital on Thursday.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had on Monday conducted surprise inspections of two kitchens in the city where meals were being prepared for distribution in schools, and warned workers of strict action if any irregularities were found. “The Education Director has called a meeting of all midday meal suppliers tomorrow [on Thursday]. I have directed that there should be regular monitoring of the kitchens where meals are prepared. If any of them are found not meeting the required standards, their contract will be cancelled,” Mr. Sisodia said.