THRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Gurukul School Food Poisoning
Commission demands report from the government; rights group calls for probe into poor hostel conditions
Hyderabad: The Telangana Human Rights Commission (THRC) has taken suo motu cognizance the food poisoning incident in a tribal welfare gurukul school at Devarakonda on Monday, citing reports published by Deccan Chronicle on the issue.
The reports, titled 'TG Schools turn death traps, 30 students suffer poisoning' and 'Food poisoning took 50 lives past year, 1K fell ill' published on July 15, highlighted the incidents of food poisoning and unhygienic conditions in residential schools. They mentioned the apathetic attitude of government and officials in addressing the health and sanitation issues in residential schools across departments. The reports also listed out the events occurring during past one year leading to deaths in some cases.
In addition, the commission directed the Chief Secretary to submit a comprehensive report by August 28, covering the points: the health condition of affected students, inquiry findings, action taken against responsible staff and preventive measures to ensure food safety in all hostels.
Later, Dundra Kumaraswamy, president of the National BC Dal and advocate, also lodged a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission citing the Deccan Chronicle reports. He highlighted that such incidents severely violated the students’ right to health, emphasising that under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, every citizen has the right to live and remain healthy and this right is being denied to the students.
Kumaraswamy attributed the incident to the negligence of officials and the lack of clear responsibility among relevant departments. To prevent such incidents in the future, he urged the formation of an independent committee to investigate the matter.
