A video allegedly showing schoolchildren being served an extremely watery potato curry and burnt rotis under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme at a government primary school in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism over the quality of food being provided to students.
The footage, widely circulated online, appears to show children receiving a diluted potato curry in which the vegetables are barely visible, along with overcooked rotis. Another clip from the same incident shows rotis being tossed onto students’ plates instead of being served properly, further fuelling public outrage.
Viral Videos Trigger Public Anger
The videos have rapidly spread across social media platforms, with users questioning the standard of meals served in government schools. Many expressed concern that children relying on the Mid-Day Meal Scheme for daily nutrition were allegedly being provided substandard food.
Several users also criticised the manner in which the meals were served, calling it disrespectful and insensitive.
Congress Raises Questions Over Mid-Day Meal Quality
Congress National Spokesperson and Maharashtra General Secretary Atul Londhe Patil also shared the viral video, alleging that children at a government primary school in Sitapur were being served poor-quality food.
He claimed it was difficult to determine whether the curry actually contained potatoes or was simply coloured water. He further alleged that rotis were being thrown onto the students’ plates “as if they were being served to animals.”
Social Media Demands Accountability
The incident has prompted strong reactions online, with many users demanding strict action against those responsible for the alleged lapse.
One user suggested that the Uttar Pradesh government should centralise the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to ensure better monitoring and quality control, arguing that despite adequate funding, poor implementation continues to affect students.
Another social media user described the incident as “shameful,” questioning how children could receive such poor-quality meals under a government welfare programme. Others sarcastically referred to the watery curry as “Samandar in thali.”
No Official Response Yet
As the videos continue to circulate, there has been no official statement confirming the authenticity of the footage or addressing the allegations. It also remains unclear when the videos were recorded.
The incident has once again brought the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme into focus, with many calling for a thorough inquiry and stricter monitoring to ensure schoolchildren receive nutritious and hygienic meals.
