Sheopur School Scandal: Kids Served Mid-Day Meals on Scrap Paper, Principal Suspended

Sheopur (Madhya Pradesh), November 8, 2025 —
A viral video from Hullpur village in Sheopur district has sparked widespread outrage after it showed children being served mid-day meals on torn scrap paper and leaf bowls placed on the floor. The incident has raised serious questions about hygiene standards and the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM Poshan) scheme, formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Programme.

According to officials, the incident occurred at a government primary school operating on the campus of a secondary school in the Vijaypur block. In the video, several young students can be seen sitting on the ground, eating food served on pieces of old paper and dried leaves instead of proper plates.

Immediate Action Taken

Following public outrage and the video’s circulation on social media platforms, the district administration acted swiftly. The school principal was suspended, and the contract of the self-help group responsible for cooking and serving meals was cancelled.

District Education Officer (DEO) Anil Gupta said a probe was initiated to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.

“Serving food on scrap paper is unacceptable. It violates basic norms of hygiene and dignity. Strict action has been taken against those responsible,” the officer said.

Public and Online Reaction

The video has generated massive outrage online, with users demanding accountability and better monitoring of welfare schemes in schools. Many expressed disappointment over the condition of mid-day meals despite years of government funding and guidelines meant to ensure nutritious, safe food for students.

Critics questioned the supervision of the PM Poshan scheme, pointing out that such negligence undermines one of India’s most important school nutrition initiatives.

About the PM Poshan Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM Poshan) scheme aims to provide nutritious meals to children in government and government-aided schools, covering classes from 1 to 8. It plays a crucial role in addressing classroom hunger and promoting school attendance among children from economically weaker sections.

However, incidents like the one in Sheopur highlight gaps in monitoring and implementation at the local level. Education activists have called for stronger oversight mechanisms and regular audits of food quality and serving conditions.

Government Response

Officials from the Madhya Pradesh Education Department have assured that corrective measures are being implemented and that all schools in the district will undergo inspection to ensure compliance with hygiene standards.
The department also emphasized that such lapses “will not be tolerated” and that accountability will be fixed at every level.