Article Today, Hyderabad: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed serious concern over the deaths of 48 students due to food poisoning in Telangana’s Gurukul schools. These residential schools, meant to uplift poor and marginalized communities, have instead become sites of negligence and tragedy. The Commission questioned whether the state’s administrative machinery is even aware of its responsibilities.
886 Poisoning Incidents in State-Run Institutions
Shockingly, a total of 886 food poisoning cases have been reported from these state-run institutions over a period of time. Students, most of them from Bahujan and poor families, suffered due to contaminated food. The NHRC said these were not isolated mishaps but systemic failures, and they must be treated as deaths caused by state negligence.
NHRC Orders Comprehensive Report
During a two-day open hearing and camp sitting in Hyderabad, NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian and members Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Ms. Vijay Bharti Sayani held intense discussions on these cases. The Commission directed the secretaries of five Gurukul societies to submit a detailed report within four weeks. It questioned how such grossly unhygienic conditions could exist in schools monitored by senior IAS officers.
Are We Truly a Civilised Society?
The Commission’s observations raised an uncomfortable question — are we really living in a civilised society if even basic food safety cannot be guaranteed to schoolchildren? Despite advancements in technology and governance, the state has failed to ensure safe meals in institutions built to serve the underprivileged.
Widespread Human Rights Violations in Telangana
The Commission also examined 109 other human rights violation cases during its Hyderabad sitting. These included issues such as fire accidents in hospitals, dog attacks in urban areas, illegal evictions of tribal families, sexual violence against women, and police misconduct. NHRC members questioned officials directly and issued sharp warnings where accountability was lacking.
Tribal Women Trafficking Case Leads to Dismissal
In a significant outcome, a constable involved in the trafficking of tribal women was removed from service. The Commission viewed the matter seriously and pressed for immediate corrective action. It also raised concerns about poor implementation of schemes like Dalit Bandhu and delays in disbursing family pensions.
Education and Nutrition in Critical State
NHRC reviewed multiple complaints about the lack of primary schools in rural areas and the poor quality of midday meals. Malnutrition among children remains a pressing issue. In several cases, officials had failed to register FIRs, leading to further violations of citizens’ rights.
State Must Act Without Delay
The NHRC’s visit has exposed deep cracks in Telangana’s welfare and education systems. It has reminded the state government that the lives of children cannot be compromised. Urgent action and accountability are now non-negotiable. The eyes of the nation are watching.
