The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has reached out to Antar Singh Arya, Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), regarding the tragic incident at a government-run school in Odisha. A 12-year-old tribal student, Rupali Besra, passed away, and over 150 students fell ill after consuming stale food served at the school. The BJD leaders highlighted concerns about negligence and the violation of food safety standards.
The BJD leaders emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the incident and accountability for those responsible. They expressed dismay over the substandard food served to vulnerable children despite prescribed dietary norms. The situation has led to ongoing medical treatment for several affected students, underscoring the severity of the issue.
Urging immediate action, the BJD leaders called for strict measures to address the systemic lapse and ensure justice for the victim. They requested the NCST to enhance food safety protocols in government-run Ashram schools and provide necessary support to the affected students. Additionally, they appealed for the NCST Chairman’s personal visit to the district to assess the situation firsthand and restore confidence within the tribal community.
