Hyderabad, August 5: Food poisoning cases in Telangana’s government residential schools and welfare hostels continue to spark concern, with allegations of irregularities in catering contracts and poor monitoring.
According to reported figures, 2,673 students have fallen ill in 126 food poisoning incidents over the last 32 months, averaging 84 affected students every month. Several students have reportedly lost their lives, leading to criticism over the management of student welfare.
Employees, teachers, and student organisations have alleged that poor oversight and irregularities in district-level catering contracts have contributed to the recurring incidents. They claim that funds meant for quality food and hostel maintenance are being misused, resulting in students being served substandard meals.
While the government’s Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) oversees centralized procurement of essential supplies, district committees are responsible for awarding contracts related to food, sanitation, and kitchen management. Allegations suggest that the same contractors continue to receive multiple contracts despite repeated food safety lapses
Reports also claim that catering agencies violate staffing norms, maintain inadequate sanitation, and fail to ensure proper kitchen hygiene, increasing the risk of food contamination.
The issue has also reached the State Human Rights Commission, which took suo motu cognizance of the recent food poisoning incident at the ST Girls’ Hostel in Wardhannapet, where 27 students reportedly fell ill, and directed the Warangal District Collector to submit a detailed report.
The recurring incidents have intensified demands for a comprehensive probe into catering contracts, stricter monitoring, and stronger accountability to ensure the safety and well-being of students.