NHRC seeks report on two-year mid-day meal lapse in UP school
NHRC has issued a notice to UP's chief secretary over a two-year mid-day meal lapse at a Ballia school, with alleged fund misuse of Rs 14 lakh.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of reports that students in Classes VI to VIII at a government school in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh, were not provided mid-day meals for two years. The commission's action follows a media report on August 27, 2026, which detailed the lapse.
According to the report, students had written to the District Magistrate about their grievance. An inquiry subsequently revealed that the school had been maintaining false records, showing that meals were regularly served to 200 students, even though no meals were actually provided.
The inquiry also found irregularities and alleged misappropriation of nearly Rs 14 lakh. This included underpayment of cooks and misuse of funds under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Abhiyan by the school principal and other officials.
The NHRC observed that if the reported facts are true, they raise serious human rights violations. The mid-day meal scheme, which covers students up to Class VIII, is designed to prevent malnutrition and encourage school attendance. The commission has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.