Principal Suspended for Serving Mid-Day Meal on Paper Plates to Students on Republic Day; Commissioner Takes Strict Action

In a shocking incident at Bhatigwan Government School in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, the in-charge principal has been suspended for serving the mid-day meal to students on sheets of paper instead of proper plates on Republic Day. The Rewa Division Commissioner, B.S. Jamod, took immediate action following widespread criticism and the viral video of the incident.

The incident occurred on 26th January, when students of the school were served halwa-poori on paper instead of traditional plates. The video of children eating on the floor spread rapidly on social media, drawing public outrage. Initially, the principal, Sunil Kumar Tripathi, was issued a “show-cause notice” by the Commissioner’s office, but he failed to respond within the stipulated period. Considering his negligence and silence, Commissioner B.S. Jamod ordered his suspension with immediate effect.

Commissioner condemns the act

In his official order, Commissioner Jamod described the act as “highly reprehensible,” stating that failing to provide proper meals to students on a national holiday reflects poorly on the institution and violates fundamental responsibilities of a head of an educational institution. The order further mentioned that Tripathi’s negligence caused disorder in the school and tarnished the image of the government. His actions were cited as gross dereliction of duty under Rule 3 of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965, and constitute serious misconduct.

During the suspension period, Tripathi has been assigned to the District Education Officer’s office in Satna. He will continue to receive his standard subsistence allowance as per rules.

A repeating pattern in Madhya Pradesh

This is not the first time such negligence has been reported in the state. Last year, a similar incident occurred in Vijaypur, Shyopur district, where students were also served mid-day meals on paper sheets instead of plates. Following that incident, the school in-charge was suspended, and the tender of the self-help group supplying the meals was canceled.