In Arwal district, following changes in the mid-day meal scheme, cooking resumed for children in 73 out of 75 schools in the Sadar block on Monday. However, the system failed to get back on track in two schools, forcing children to return home hungry.

At Middle School Bhadasi, meals could not be prepared due to the unavailability of cooking gas. Meanwhile, at Middle School Hasanpura, the in-charge headmaster's disagreement led to children not receiving food. Over 75 children from Hasanpura school went home without eating, sparking discontent among parents and locals.

Previously, mid-day meals in these schools were supplied through NGOs. Now, under a new departmental arrangement, meals are to be prepared within the schools themselves. On Monday, cooks prepared hot and fresh meals for children in 73 schools, benefiting a large number of students.

The district administration and education department have taken the matter seriously. Khushboo, the District Program Officer for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, stated that an explanation has been sought from the in-charge headmaster of Hasanpura school. She warned that if meals are not prepared for children in the school on Tuesday as well, further action would be recommended to the department against the concerned headmaster.

Disruptions in such a crucial scheme in two schools raise questions about departmental oversight and school management responsibility. The department has indicated a strict stance, particularly regarding the issue at Hasanpura school concerning children's meals.