Bihar Headmaster Suspended for Selling Mid-Day Meal Rice

A government school headmaster in Bihar has been suspended for allegedly selling rice allocated for the mid-day meal scheme, a flagship program providing free lunches to schoolchildren. The suspension was ordered by local education authorities, who also initiated disciplinary proceedings against him under the Bihar Government Servants (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 2005. The exact date of the suspension and the headmaster's identity have not been disclosed in initial reports.

The mid-day meal scheme, renamed PM POSHAN, serves over 118 million children across India and is crucial for improving nutrition and school attendance. However, it has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement, with previous incidents in Bihar involving food poisoning and financial irregularities. The alleged sale of rice meant for children underscores persistent governance challenges in the program's implementation.

This incident is likely to intensify scrutiny of the Bihar government's oversight of school meal programs. Authorities have not commented on whether other officials are under investigation. The case may prompt calls for stricter monitoring and transparency in the distribution of food grains. The headmaster has the right to appeal the suspension as per service rules.