Ballia: School Principal Suspended After Viral Mid-Day Meal Video; Contractual Instructor Faces Termination

The officiating principal of a government school in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district has been suspended, while proceedings have been initiated to terminate the services of a contractual instructor after a viral video showed students being served rotis and vegetables directly in their hands instead of on plates. The action follows a preliminary departmental inquiry into the incident, which drew widespread attention on social media, according to a report.

According to District Basic Education Officer Manish Kumar Singh, the video surfaced on social media on July 31 and was purportedly recorded at the Composite School in Palia village under the Siyar education block. UP Shocker: 2 Half Litre Milk Packets Mixed in Bucket of Water, Served to Children Under Mid Day Meal in Mahoba; Video Surfaces.

School Principal Suspended After Viral Mid-Day Meal Video in Ballia

बलिया के सरकारी स्कूल में छात्रों को हाथ में मिड-डे-मील परोसने के मामले में प्रधानाध्यापक निलंबित...

अनुदेशक की सेवा समाप्त. विद्यालय में आपसी विवाद के दौरान अनुदेशक ने वीडियो बनाकर किया था वायरल...@balliapolice #Newsleader pic.twitter.com/dRrtEAM1hO

— News Leader (@NewsLeaderLive) August 5, 2026

The preliminary inquiry found that the incident had occurred on April 20 and that teachers and other staff members had failed to discharge their official responsibilities. Based on the findings, officiating principal Kiran Devi was suspended with immediate effect on charges of gross negligence, lack of effective leadership and failure to report the incident to senior departmental authorities.

Contractual Instructor Faces Termination

Officials said the inquiry also found that the video had been recorded on the mobile phone of contractual instructor Nirmala Bharti. The report alleged that the recording was made with the intention of blackmailing the officiating principal. Worm Found in Mid-Day Meal: 40 School Students Fall Ill After Eating Insect-Infested Midday Meal in Uttar Pradesh.

Following the inquiry, the education department initiated proceedings to terminate Bharti's contractual appointment. In addition, strict warnings were issued to another instructor, a Shiksha Mitra and four cooks associated with the school.

Departmental Probe Ordered

The Basic Education Department has ordered a detailed departmental inquiry into the incident. Navanagar Block Education Officer Pankaj Kumar Singh has been appointed as the inquiry officer and has been directed to submit a fact-based report within 15 days. Authorities said further action, if required, will be taken based on the findings of the departmental investigation.

Mid-Day Meal Scheme Under Scrutiny

The incident has once again drawn attention to the implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, a flagship programme aimed at providing nutritious meals to children in government and government-aided schools to improve attendance and nutritional outcomes.

State authorities have reiterated the importance of adhering to prescribed standards for food distribution and school administration, stating that lapses affecting students' welfare will be dealt with strictly.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 05, 2026 01:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).