In Bihar, the principal of a government school was suspended for selling rice for midday meal

The goal of the midday meal program is to provide nutritious food to children studying in public schools. File Image | Photo credit: The Hindu

The Bihar government on Saturday (October 10, 2026) suspended the principal of a government school on charges of selling midday rice meant for school children. The action was taken after a proper investigation and a video of the rice sale also went viral on social media.

Regional Deputy Director of Education, Tirhut Division, Muzaffarpur, Samar Bahadur Singh, in a letter said that the District Education Officer, East Champaran (Motihari) had on October 7, 2026 reported an allegation against Sunil Kumar Srivastava, the Principal of a Government Primary School based in Bhawanipur (East Champaran).

“The allegations included selling rice for mid-day meal, having rice in the shop in excess of the stock recorded in the register and sleeping on the school premises. A recommendation was made to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him,” Singh said.

The following day, October 8, 2026, a letter was issued to the school principal requesting an explanation supported by evidence within 24 hours. Mr. Srivastava gave his explanation on 10.10.2026.

Upon review, the explanation was found to be unsatisfactory.

“Sunil Kumar Srivastava is hereby suspended with immediate effect and subject to disciplinary proceedings under the relevant provisions of the Bihar Government Servants (Classification, Review and Appeal) Rules, 2005. During the period of suspension, his residence is at the office of the Block Education Officer, Kotwa, East Champaran,” Mr. Singh said in the letter.

As per the suspension letter, a subsistence allowance will be paid during the suspension period to be paid by the District Program Officer (Establishment), East Champaran.

The goal of the midday meal program is to provide nutritious food to children studying in public schools.

Published – 11 October 2026 10:15 AM IST