More than one-third of the 22 students who returned to Meghalaya yesterday after their food poisoning ordeal in a Karnataka school hail from one district alone – East Jaintia Hills.
Two children from Meghalaya died in the food poisoning incident in March when the students were fed leftover food from Holi. The school, in Mandya district, has been shut down and Karnataka police have made several arrests. At the students’ own choosing, they were returned to Meghalaya yesterday.
Cabinet Minister and East Jaintia Hills legislator Kyrmen Shylla commented on the situation, acknowledging the aspirations of parents who seek quality and affordable education for their children, even if it means sending them far from home.
“In the pursuit of good education, sometimes unfortunate incidents happen, like the recent food poisoning case in Karnataka. It’s truly saddening,” Shylla said. He stressed the importance of creating awareness among parents about the risks involved in sending children outside the state, particularly when dealing with unknown organisations. “Parents love their children but we often don’t know how they are being treated once they’re away,” he added.
When children are sent out of the state for education, their home district authorities should be informed so that records can be maintained for safety and accountability, Shylla stated.
This school and others like it have been accused of luring poor, rural tribal students from Meghalaya as part of a desire to spread Hindutva. However, Shylla declined to be drawn on this. “Sometimes, unfortunate events happen regardless of the organisation involved. Many parents choose these schools because they are affordable. When it comes to religion, sentiments run deep but I see no harm in seeking education from any group, be it government, missionary, private, or otherwise, as long as parents remain vigilant,” he opined.
