The education department has taken strict action following an incident at Utkramit Madhya Vidyalaya, Basdeva, in Saharsa's Kahra block, where a lizard was allegedly found in the Mid-Day Meal, leading to 25 children being hospitalized. Following instructions from Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari, Headmaster Brajendra Kumar was suspended on Sunday. Additionally, all three cooks responsible for preparing meals at the school have been instructed to be relieved from service.

Taking the matter seriously, the Education Minister spoke with the Saharsa District Magistrate over the phone, instructing a detailed investigation to identify and take stringent action against those responsible. The District Magistrate has also been directed to form a three-member inquiry team for an impartial and thorough investigation, with strict action to be taken against those found guilty.

According to the report from the District Education Officer, Saharsa, Mid-Day Meals were supplied to 144 schools in the district on September 12 from the centralized kitchen of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Dalit Utthan Evam Shiksha Samiti, located in Kahra. Following the incident, the payment for the bills of all these 144 schools has been deducted. An explanation has also been sought from the District Program Officer, Mid-Day Meal Scheme.

The Education Minister has clearly stated that if any negligence by an officer or employee in supply, food quality, monitoring, or follow-up is found during the investigation, action will be taken against them as per rules. He emphasized that there would be no compromise on the health and safety of children, and providing clean, safe, nutritious, and quality food under the Mid-Day Meal scheme is the department's primary responsibility. The Minister has directed strict monitoring of food quality, kitchen hygiene, and the entire supply system, also asking the Director of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to closely oversee the entire matter.