The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary over the reported non-serving of mid-day meals to students of Classes VI to VIII at a government school in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh for the last two years. Taking suo motu cognizance, the Commission has called for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to a media report, the students wrote to the District Magistrate about their grievances, following which the inquiry revealed false records being maintained to show that meals were regularly served to 200 students. The inquiry also found irregularities and alleged misappropriation involving nearly 14 lakh rupees, including underpayment of cooks and misuse of Pradhan Mantri Poshan Abhiyan funds by the Principal and other officials.