UP schoolchildren stop DM’s vehicle, allege assault and poor mid-day meals

Hamirpur: A group of schoolchildren stopped the vehicle of Hamirpur District Magistrate Ashok Kumar during his inspection of a government school in Patara village and complained about alleged corporal punishment, inadequate teaching and poor-quality mid-day meals, officials said on Thursday.

The incident took place on Wednesday when Kumar visited primary and upper-primary schools in Patara, under the Kurara area of the district. During the inspection, the district magistrate reviewed cleanliness, infrastructure and other arrangements before interacting with students.

As the official convoy was leaving, several children reportedly approached and stopped the vehicle to share their grievances. According to local reports, the students alleged that they were served rotis made from unsifted flour, watery dal and milk diluted with buttermilk. They also claimed that a teacher allegedly beat them when they asked for mathematics lessons.

Kumar reportedly listened to the children for around 10 minutes and directed Basic Shiksha Adhikari Mukesh Khare to ensure that their complaints were examined promptly. He also instructed officials to provide nutritious and good-quality meals, using proper edible oil, spices and other food items.

The BSA has sought an explanation from the school’s headmaster, Vijendra Kumar, officials said. Further action is expected after the complaints and school records are examined.

During the inspection, Kumar also directed authorities to improve the school premises, repair damaged windows, arrange essential furniture and complete pending work at the new composite school building. Classes at the newly constructed building were ordered to begin within 15 days.

The state education department recently issued a 14-point checklist for thousands of schools following student protests and complaints from districts including Hamirpur.

Officials said the administration would monitor compliance with the district magistrate’s instructions.