The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has issued a notice to the Odisha Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department, as well as to the Collector and Superintendent of Police of Mayurbhanj, seeking an Action Taken Report on the death of a tribal minor student and the mass illness of students at an ashram school in the district due to suspected food poisoning.
Acting on a petition filed by Biju Janata Dal leader Priyabrata Majhi and others on April 15, the commission has decided to investigate the matter under the powers granted by Article 338A of the Constitution of India.
The commission has directed authorities to submit facts, details, and the action taken on the allegations within seven days of receiving the notice, through post or other means.
The concerned department and district officials have been instructed to provide a detailed report within the given timeframe, failing which they may be summoned for personal appearance.
On April 12, hundreds of students at Kakabandha Ashram School in Mayurbhanj fell ill after consuming food prepared at the school, including pakhala, aloo masala, mango chutney, and leafy vegetables.
A Class V student, Rupali Besra, who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital in Baripada, died during treatment on April 14.
Following the incident, the Odisha government launched an investigation and announced financial assistance of Rs 7 lakh for the deceased student’s family.
The school’s headmaster has been suspended, and an inquiry at the level of the Revenue Divisional Commissioner is ongoing.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the quality and safety of food provided in ashram schools for tribal students.
The National Human Rights Commission has also taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and sought a report.
It is expected that the commission’s notice will speed up the investigation process.
The opposition Biju Janata Dal has alleged that all concerned officials and departments have been directed to respond promptly.
With Inputs From IANS
