MDM Food Poisoning: Odisha Govt Pays Rs 8 Lakh Compensation

New Delhi: The Odisha government has released Rs 8 lakh compensation in connection with a food poisoning case in a government school in 2018 following the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Out of the total amount, Rs 50,000 each has been paid to the 14 students who fell sick and Rs 1 lakh to the mother of boy who succumbed to his illness, the Odisha government informed the apex rights body.

The State government further apprised the commission that two teachers of Maliguda Primary School in Koraput district where the incident happened were placed under suspension and departmental proceedings initiated against them for negligence.

The NHRC had received the complaint about the incident on January 20, 2018.

Earlier, in response to the notices of the Commission, the Odisha government informed that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh was already sanctioned by the Collector for the payment to the NoK of the victim. Besides, punitive action was initiated against the two teachers for negligence.

Subsequently the Commission issued a notice to Odisha Chief Secretary to show cause as to why a sum of Rs1 lakh be not recommended to be paid under Section 18 of the Protection of Human Rights Act to the Next of kin of the deceased student in addition to the ex-gratia of Rs2 lakhs already sanctioned by the Collector.

Pursuant to the directions of the Commission, the Odisha government submitted the compliance report along with proof of payment, wherein it has been stated that Rs 1 lakh has been paid to the mother of the deceased boy and Rs 50,000 each to other 14 students.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)