Journalism of Courage
Premium
Four bananas and a police complaint: Teacher and cook come to blows over mid-day meal dispute
Education department in Hazaribagh initiates a probe; both parties reach a compromise after approaching police
According to the primary report, the dispute had been brewing for two days over the distribution of leftover bananas meant for students (File/Representative Image)
A dispute over the distribution of four bananas under the mid-day meal scheme escalated into a physical altercation between a teacher and a cook at a government school in Hazaribagh, with both parties approaching the police and the education department initiating a probe.
The incident took place at an upgraded high school in Sindoor, where the mid-day meal is supplied through a centralised kitchen operated by Akshaya Patra Foundation. According to the primary report, the dispute had been brewing for two days over the distribution of leftover bananas meant for students. While the disagreement remained verbal initially, it escalated into a physical clash on the second day.
Both the teacher and the cook later went to the police station and lodged complaints against each other. Confirming this, the station in charge said that complaints have been received from both sides and further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. He said that such incidents in schools are a matter of concern.
After the incident came to the district education department’s attention, it ordered an investigation and appointed a block-level officer to lead it.
District Education Superintendent (DSE) Akash Singh said the department has sought a report, and that preliminary information suggests the matter was a squabble between the two individuals.
“We have not yet received the detailed investigation report. As per initial information, the School Management Committee (SMC) has taken disciplinary action against the cook. The mid-day meal is being supplied through a centralised kitchen system,” he said.
He added that any further action will depend on the findings of the final investigation report.
Story continues below this ad
According to the DSE, the cook and the teacher have reached a compromise over the matter. “Villagers advised both of them to settle the matter amicably and bring the dispute to a close,” he said.
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Live Blog