Shillong: More than 59 students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Rymbai in East Jaiñtia Hills have reportedly fallen ill with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting, in what is suspected to be a case of food poisoning.
According to reports, the students began falling sick on November 22, triggering serious concerns over the school’s food quality and management. The Jaiñtia Students’ Union (JSU) has lodged a formal complaint and given the authorities 15 days to act on the matter.
JSU Education Secretary Bocheru Mi Pohsnem and other members visited the school following several complaints from parents and village leaders about the sudden rise in sickness among the students.
JSU leaders said the Head Boy confirmed that 39 students had already gone home due to illness, while more than 20 others continued to show symptoms as of Tuesday morning.
The Medical Officer of Rymbai PHC reportedly informed the JSU that the symptoms appeared consistent with food contamination, noting that incidents of stomach-related illness have been recurring raising questions about the school’s hygiene standards.
The JSU has also informed the Assistant Commissioner of Food Safety (Jowai), who has instructed the Food Safety Officer (FSO) to conduct an immediate investigation into the school’s kitchen and food supplies.
Authorities are expected to begin inquiries shortly.
