PATNA: As unbelievable as it may sound, the principal of a government school in Bihar’s Vaishali district was caught on camera stealing eggs intended for students under the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme.
The incident, which took place on December 13, came to light after a video showing the principal in the act went viral on social media. Following this, the education department conducted an investigation and found the allegations to be true.
In the viral video, Principal Suresh Sahni was seen taking eggs in a carry bag when the van filled with the MDM supplies arrived at the school premises.
Sources in the state education department said that a show-cause notice has been issued to Principal Sahni, asking him to explain his actions within 24 hours, failing which disciplinary action will be taken against him.
Vaishali’s District Education Officer (DEO), Birendra Narayan, confirmed that an explanation has been sought from the principal.
"Further disciplinary action will be initiated after receiving a reply from the principal in question," he added.
He admitted that the allegations against the principal of the school, located in the Lalganj sub-division of the district, were found to be true.
"The conduct of the principal has sent the wrong message to both students and their parents," he remarked.
Children up to class 8 study at the middle school in Rikhar village, about 25 km from the district headquarters in Hajipur.
The principal’s actions led local residents to block the road and stage a protest outside the school, demanding action against him.
"The eggs are meant for the students' nutrition, and it was not appropriate for the principal to take them away," the residents said.
The principal is to retire from service in January next year.