Medak tribal school students stage highway protest over alleged poor food
MEDAK: Students of a government-run tribal welfare school in Telangana staged a protest on April 7, blocking a national highway in Medak district over alleged poor quality food served at their hostel.
The protest took place at the Boys’ Tribal Welfare School in Kowdipalli mandal. Students sat on the highway, raising slogans and demanding that authorities ensure food as per the prescribed menu.
In videos circulated on social media, students alleged that the school principal misused funds meant for food. “The principal uses the funds for his personal work and consumes liquor on the premises. We don’t get proper food even during special occasions,” some students said.
They also claimed that refreshments meant for events such as Republic Day were withheld. During the protest, students raised slogans against the principal and demanded his suspension.
Students further alleged that they were beaten for asking for food according to the menu. They said they had not been served proper meals for the past four months.
Officials reject allegations, cite internal issues
Medak District Education Officer Vijaya rejected the allegations. She said she had inspected the school and found the food quality satisfactory.
“Some teachers were suspended earlier for malpractices. They are creating problems and instigating students,” she said, downplaying the protest.
No immediate action against the principal was reported at the time of filing this report. Authorities have not confirmed any inquiry into the students’ allegations.
