Assam: Furore after school headmistress allegedly tells students to consume rice with insects

Public anger was witnessed today in Assam's Barpeta district after a school headmistress has allegedly told her student to consume rice containing insects, saying it contains vitamin. 

Students and guardians of the Bhatkusi High School in Barpeta's Nalirpar, today voiced out their anger against headmistress Bhanu Thakuria after she allegedly told students that consuming rice containing worms and insects is good as it contains vitamins.

The students had reportedly complained to the headmistress about the bad quality of rice during mid-day meals, saying that there were insects and worms in the rice served to them. Following this the headmistress made the strange remark to the students where they claimed that they were told that eating rice containing insects is good as it contains vitamins. 

The accusations include directing the school cook to prepare only 2 kg of dal for 450 students during midday meals, leaving students hungry for over two months. Students claim that the food provided is insufficient and often contaminated with worms. Moreover, the school reportedly lacks proper seating arrangements, sports materials, and students are compelled to bring their own examination papers.

"There are huge insects in the rice. The rice quality is bad. We had told about this. The children took the plates containing the food and showed it to her. She said there is nothing to worry as it contains vitamin. She said nothing happens if you eat insects with rice as it contains vitamin," said a student. 

Despite these allegations, Headmistress Bhanu Thakuria dismissed the allegations as false, attributing them to misconceptions among the students. 

"There is always some insects in rice when we buy it. And the rice for mid-day meals are stored for a long time, hence it is not unnatural for insects to be found in it. We always wash the rice before cooking it. If some insect is found then it is the cook's fault, not mine. No, I have not made any such statement about eating rice with insects. It is all a lie," siad the school headmistress. 

Meanwhile, guardians have called upon authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into these accusations and take appropriate measures to address the reported issues.