Students of 5T school served 'pakhala' in mid-day meal 

In an unusual incident, pakhala (watered rice) was served in the mid-day meal to the students of Uma Arjun Girls’ High School at Chatar under Nilagiri block of Balasore district on Thursday.  The school was recently transformed under the 5T initiative. 

As per reports, there are seven teachers in the residential school. However, two of the teachers were on leave to observe Manasbasa Gurubar while two others were absent for other reasons.  

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It is alleged that the cook took leave today after cooking food and preparing watered rice and other items. The students were forced consume watered rice. One of the teachers admitted that students, who are supposed to get fresh-cooked meal, had to be given watered rice. 

Balasore Collector, Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde said that he was not aware of such an incident. “I have told the DWO and he will get the matter investigated by a team. If it is found true, stern action will be taken against those responsible,” he added.