The Haryana school education department has directed Haryana Agro Industries Corporation Limited (HAICL) to urgently replace allegedly contaminated and substandard food items supplied to government schools under the PM POSHAN scheme.
The action follows complaints from multiple districts, including Ambala, Fatehabad, Hisar, Kaithal and Yamunanagar, where school authorities reported poor-quality dry rations such as jaggery (gur) and pulses. In some cases, supplies were allegedly fungus-infested and unfit for consumption.
Video Sparks Concern
The issue drew wider attention after a video surfaced on social media showing allegedly substandard rajma being cooked for mid-day meals. Officials said the complaints highlighted possible lapses in quality control, procurement and storage processes.
Calling the matter “grave and serious,” the department has sought an urgent explanation from HAICL and asked for immediate corrective steps.
Schools Raise Health Concerns
Teachers from affected schools said they noticed discolouration and an unusual smell when opening ration bags and promptly informed authorities.
“We cannot take any risk with children’s health,” a teacher said, adding that poor-quality meals not only endanger students but also erode trust in the system.
Fresh Supplies & Monitoring Ordered
The directorate has instructed the corporation to withdraw and replace all spoiled and low-grade rations with fresh, hygienic supplies without delay. It has also sought a detailed status report explaining the lapse and outlining measures to strengthen monitoring and quality checks across the supply chain.
Officials reiterated the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on negligence in the implementation of the mid-day meal programme, stressing that safe and nutritious food for students remains a top priority.
