‘Two headmasters’, rotten food and no mid-day meals: Dibrugarh school faces chaos

Concerns over the mid-day meal system at Marwari Hindi High School in Dibrugarh came to light during an inspection by the All Assam Students' Union (AASU) and a media team, amid a wider controversy over the school's administration.

During the inspection, foul-smelling and damaged food items were reportedly found on the school premises, raising questions over food safety and hygiene.

School representatives, however, told the media that mid-day meal services had been discontinued several years ago. The claim has raised questions over why old food items remained on the premises and in what condition they had been stored.

AASU members and the media team inspected the premises and sought clarification from the school authorities regarding the food items and the status of the mid-day meal programme.

The school, located in the heart of Dibrugarh city and near the office of the school inspector, is also embroiled in a dispute over the appointment of two headmasters.

According to allegations, the school management committee has curtailed the authority of government-appointed headmistress Rajani Sharma and assigned mathematics teacher Ram Niraj Singh to function as headmaster.

Students have alleged that Singh has not regularly taken classes for nearly two years.

The controversy has also brought to light complaints about inadequate drinking water and non-functional ceiling fans in several classrooms.

The allegations have triggered resentment among students, parents and a section of teachers, with AASU demanding an inquiry and intervention to restore the school's academic environment.

Some individuals have also alleged that school management committee president Nirmal Beria and secretary Mahabir Bagodia were planning to shut down the government school and establish a private school in its place. The allegation has not been independently verified, and the response of the school management committee is awaited.

The latest findings have prompted calls for the education department to investigate the condition and storage of the food items, clarify the status of the mid-day meal programme and examine the broader administrative disputes at the school.

The incident has also highlighted the need for proper monitoring and maintenance of food storage and other basic facilities in government schools to ensure student safety and hygiene.