NHRC seeks report from Bihar over toxic midday meal

The National Human Rights Commission Friday sought a report from Bihar government after 55 school children fell ill after a midday meal in a school.

Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports, the commission has issued notice to the state's principal secretary (education) and to the district magistrate of Sheohar, seeking a report within four weeks.

"The children studying in Sugia Middle Schoolin Sheohar district of Bihar fell sick after consuming the meal. The forensic report confirmed the presence of toxic insecticide strains in the cooking oil used for making food at the school," said the NHRC.

The incident raises a serious issue of violation of human rights of children, it said.