New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a compliance report from Nabarangpur district Collector over the compensation to be paid to the next of kin of a school student who died after consuming mid-day meal (MDM) in 2018.
A petition filed by advocate Radhakant Tripathi stated that as many as 14 students of a school in the district were hospitalised due to food poisoning. A student named Gurubandhu Bhatra lost his life February 19, 2018.
The secretary of School and Mass Communication department submitted to the NHRC that an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh has been sanctioned by the Nabarangpur Collector for the next of kin of the deceased boy. It is further stated that disciplinary action has already been taken against the teachers concerned for negligence in their duties. Two teachers have been placed under suspension and departmental proceedings have been initiated against them.
The NHRC has directed the Nabarangpur Collector to submit proof of payment of the compensation to the next of kin of the deceased within six weeks.