In Karnataka’s Koppal district, two Anganwadi workers have been suspended for allegedly removing eggs from children’s plates during a midday meal, after documenting the act through video and photographs. The incident came to light when footage of the event went viral on social media platforms, prompting immediate action from the authorities.
According to reports, the Anganwadi workers, namely Lakshmi and Shainasa Begum, were suspended in connection with the incident. The video, recorded by an employee, shows eggs being served to the children in their lunch bowls. The video clearly shows an employee placing an egg in a child’s bowl and removing it later. Following the video’s viral spread on social media, several users expressed their anger at the workers’ behaviour.
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According to officials, the workers filmed and photographed the eggs being served to the children before retrieving them from the plates during the meal. Eggs are a mandatory component of the midday meal provided in government schools and Anganwadis.
On August 9, the Women and Child Development Department issued an order suspending the workers pending further investigation for neglecting their duties, reported PTI.
Karnataka Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar reportedly stated that immediate action was taken upon learning of the incident. She instructed department officials to not only suspend the two workers but also to take action against the Child Development Project Officer of Koppal and issue a notice to the Deputy Director of the district.
The minister also emphasised the importance of providing nutritious food and equitable education in Anganwadis, stating that no injustice would be tolerated against underprivileged children. She also warned that any individuals found guilty of such misconduct would face compulsory retirement from their positions.
