Over 100 students ate midday meal at Kota school. Two hours later, 21 land in hospital

At least 27 pupils at a government-run school in Rajasthan's Kota experienced adverse health effects following their midday meal on Monday, leading to an investigation. Twenty-one students were hospitalized, with 17 at a government-run facility and four at a private one. All 21 are currently in stable condition. The meal, which included a pumpkin curry, was served to students from Class 1 to Class 8.

Nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, and dizziness were reported two hours after eating. Headmaster Chandra Prakash stated the school dismissed operations when students began complaining. Angry parents took their children to hospitals; some, like a Class 4 mother, noted their child fell ill after consuming the pumpkin curry and required hospitalization.

District Education Officer Roop Singh Meena visited the hospital to check on the children's health and initiate an inquiry. All the sick children have reportedly recovered, but Meena noted an inquiry was launched to determine the cause. The food was prepared and supplied by Annapurna Sahakari Samiti, serving at least eight schools in the area, though other schools have not reported issues.

Meena suggested external factors like extreme heat or contaminated water could have contributed. Lab results will provide further clarity. The incident has become particularly problematic for the Bharatiya Janata Party, as the Contingent Janata Party criticizes the state-run schools' poor conditions. Education Minister Madan Dilawar, facing criticism after Contingent Janata Party volunteers were attacked while inspecting a school near Jaipur, rushed to Kota.