On Republic Day 2026, a shocking incident came to light at Government High School Bhatgawan in Maihar, Satna district, Madhya Pradesh, where children were served food on torn pages from old notebooks and school books instead of proper plates. A 13-second video, along with photographs of the incident, quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and raising serious concerns about hygiene, child safety, and the dignity of students.

In the video, children can be seen sitting on the ground under cold weather conditions, eating puri and halwa directly from ink-stained paper. Experts have warned that the printing ink in schoolbooks contains toxic chemicals that can mix with hot food and pose significant health risks, including digestive problems, long-term toxicity, and potential carcinogenic effects.

Local authorities, including District Project Coordinator Vishnu Tripathi, confirmed that the school principal, Sunil Kumar Tripathi, and the Block Resource Centre Coordinator (BRCC) overseeing the midday meal scheme, were responsible for the mismanagement. The administration has submitted a report to the Collector and assured that strict disciplinary action will be taken against those accountable for this incident.

This is not the first instance of negligence in Madhya Pradesh’s midday meal programme. In November 2025, students at Hullapur Government School in Sheopur district were served food on paper by a self-help group, which led to the suspension of the person-in-charge and cancellation of the contract. Experts say these recurring incidents highlight systemic failures in implementing government schemes meant to ensure the safety, nutrition, and well-being of children in schools.

The incident has reignited debates over student safety, hygiene standards, and administrative accountability in India’s school system. Activists, parents, and social media users have demanded urgent reforms, emphasizing that government-funded schemes like the midday meal programme must uphold the dignity, health, and rights of every child. The administration has promised corrective measures, including proper utensils, training for staff, and closer monitoring, to prevent such incidents in the future and restore public trust.