Parliament Question: Safety Standards in Tribal Residential Schools

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TRIBAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 3407 TO BE ANSWERED ON- 12/03/2026 SAFETY STANDARDS IN TRIBAL RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS 3407. DR. MALLU RAVI: Will the Minister of TRIBAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state: (a) whether cases of food poisoning and infections in Tribal residential schools have been reported, if so, the details thereof; (b) the details of the timeline for ensuring all tribal residential schools comply with the Government's safety standards to prevent children getting affected by food poisoning band infections; and (c) the details of the steps taken to prevent recurrence and safeguard children's health? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRIBAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DURGADAS UIKEY) (a) to (c): A few isolated instances of suspected food poisoning and infections in certain Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) have been reported. In such cases, necessary medical attention was provided to the affected students and appropriate corrective measures were taken by the concerned school authorities in coordination with the State/UT EMRS Societies. The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has issued a series of circulars and guidelines to all EMRSs to ensure strict adherence to health, hygiene and safety standards in hostels and school messes. These include, inter-alia, the Guidelines for Mess Management in EMRSs and instructions regarding preventive measures for ensuring the safety and well- being of hostel students. The EMRS Mess Management Guidelines prescribe hygienic food preparation practices, safe storage of food items, and maintenance of cleanliness in kitchen and dining areas. The guidelines also provide for the constitution of Mess Committees, periodic inspections, and tasting of food prior to serving to students. Further, NESTS has issued instructions for engagement of a Staff Nurse and Counsellor in each EMRS to facilitate regular health monitoring and provide psychosocial support to students. In addition, engagement of a Part-time Doctor has been mandated to ensure periodic medical check-ups and timely medical consultation. Provision has also been made for hiring of a school vehicle to facilitate prompt transportation of students to nearby health facilities in case of medical emergencies. These measures are collectively aimed at further strengthening health services, improving food safety practices, and ensuring timely medical response in EMRSs so as to safeguard the health and well-being of tribal students residing in these schools. *****