Jamshedpur, Nov. 27: It’s time headmasters of government schools take midday meals seriously.

The state government has decided to hold them responsible the next time students complain of uneasiness after lunch at school. The order follows the tragedy at a school in Bero, where six students died of food poisoning.

School heads would now have to taste the meal before it is served to students. Though headmasters of some schools have expressed their resentment, the government has decided to implement the order from next month.

Officials said in case of any serious complaint regarding the meal served at government schools, members of the Gram Shiksha Samiti, Saraswati Vahini and also the block education extension officer might face the axe.

On November 22, the state government had sent letters to all deputy commissioners, regional deputy director of education and the district superintendent of education, asking them to adhere to the new norms pertaining to the midday meal scheme.

But the guidelines haven’t been received well. “Why should we be made the victims? If we work as a team and it is mandatory for us to taste the food, then the higher authorities should also do the same. They are supposed to monitor these activities. Even the district superintendent of education should taste the food everyday. That would also help monitor the quality of food served to children,” said Nikhil Mandal, the headmaster of the Jahatu Madhya Vidyalaya in Potka.

According to the order, officials concerned would also have to ensure that foodgrain are stored in covered containers and utensils are cleaned properly. Water from a reliable source would have to be served and students should also be seated in a clean courtyard.

“We don’t want to risk students’ lives. The authorities concerned will have to take the responsibility of checking whether the food is fit for consumption,” said Nagendra Thakur, the regional deputy director of education Kolhan.

Orders have also been passed to construct shelters at all the 525 schools within a month. An amount of Rs 60,000 was allotted for the purpose in the current financial year. Around 120 schools are yet to build shelters in their kitchens.

“This time we won’t give authorities a second chance. If the kitchen shades are not completed within a month in all schools, the block education extension officer and the district superintendent of education will be answerable,” said Thakur.