Khandwa School Students Protest Caterpillar Contamination
Students at a government-run boys' school in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa district staged a protest on August 7 after caterpillars were found in their food. The students claimed that this was not an isolated incident, but rather one of several instances where they had been served poor-quality food.
The protest began when caterpillars were allegedly found in the dal served with rice during lunch. Students alleged that similar incidents had occurred three to four times a month, despite repeated complaints. They claimed that food was not being prepared as per the government-prescribed menu and that they were often served undercooked rice and watery dal.
The students also alleged that the hostel staff and warden misbehaved with them whenever complaints were raised. Some even claimed that employees responsible for preparing food reported for duty under the influence of alcohol and demanded money from students for drinking.
City Magistrate Bajrang Bahadur stated that the administration had taken serious note of the complaints and ordered an inquiry. A four-member committee was constituted to investigate the allegations related to food quality, hygiene, and hostel functioning.
The protest ended after officials assured the students that their complaints would be investigated and necessary action taken.