Malavalli food poisoning: Students recovering, to be sent to Child Protection Unit after discharge

Mysuru: After the suspected food poisoning that claimed the lives of two North-Eastern state students at an educational institution in Malavalli, the district administration is on high alert, taking all measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

While the police department has constituted a team and expedited the probe, the DC has been conducting meetings with the officials concerned.

More than 120 people fell sick after consuming food prepared and supplied by a local hotel in Malavalli on Saturday.

This includes around 40 students of Gokula Vidyasamsthe in Malavalli. While two students died, all the other students have recovered and may be discharged soon.

Deputy Commissioner Kumara told DH that the students undergoing treatment, including 22 Meghalaya students, have recovered.

"They will be handed over to the District Child Protection Unit, after being discharged from the hospital. They will be accommodated in the Balamandira and provided food as directed by the doctors. All the students under treatment are students from first to ninth standard. Arrangements will be made to ensure that they appear for the exams," he said.

The DC visited the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) on Wednesday, and interacted with the students, undergoing treatment, and instilled confidence in them.

Meanwhile, K Naganna Gowda, Chairman of Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, and the officers from Meghalaya visited Gokula Vidyasamsthe, in the morning.

Chairing a meeting of officials at his office, the DC discussed various issues about the examination, and accommodating the students after being discharged from the school. The possibilities of sending the students back to their state safely were discussed. He directed the officials of the Education department to make all arrangements for the students, to appear for the exam.

Return of students

Once the students are handed over to the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU), their parents or guardians, accompanied by the officials of the Meghalaya government can take their children back, by furnishing Aadhar cards and a letter to the officials. He directed the officials to verify the documents submitted during the admission of the Meghalaya students to Gokula Vidyasamsthe.

The DC insisted on holding a meeting with the parents of the local students, studying at the institution, and conducting the exam. The department should also expedite issuing of notice to the school, he said.

Committee/Nodal officers

The DC said that a committee comprising the Health and Education department would be constituted. They will visit all the government and private residential schools in Mandya district and inspect the facilities available and food provided, and submit a report.

Nodal officers would be appointed for the hostels under the Social Welfare, Backward and Minorities Welfare department.

ZP CEO K R Nandini said that stern action would be taken against the schools if they are found to encourage food distributed by donors for midday meals.

Child Welfare Officer Rashmi said as there is a space constraint at the Boys Balamandira, arrangements have been made to accommodate the students at a building adjoining the Boys Home.

SP Mallikarjuna Baladandi, Meghalaya Education Department officer Peter Sun, Rudi Kriyil, Child Protection Committee president Sumitra and Child Welfare department Deputy Director Rajamurthy and other officials were present.