Jajpur: About 80 girl students of a government-run residential school in Sukinda block in the district were taken ill and were admitted to a government hospital here after they had dinner on Sunday.

The condition of 25 of them is stated to be critical, an official source said.

Students of Kasturaba Gandhi Residential School at Hatibari fell ill with symptoms of food poisoning on Sunday night. They complained of stomach ache and started vomiting since Monday morning. Few of them vomited soon after having breakfast on Monday. They had rice, dal and potato curry on Sunday night.

Sukinda block development officer Sailendra Jena said that about 20 girls had complained of stomach ache, vomiting and were rushed to hospital on Monday. Around 60 students were rushed to Sukinda community health centre.

"They were discharged on Monday night when they felt better. But, around 25 girls, who were critical, are still undergoing treatment at the hospital," he said.

Jajpur district education officer Krushna Chandra Nayak visited the residential school on Tuesday to monitor the situation. He said that around 144 girls were studying in the residential school which is being run by the state scheduled tribes welfare department.