Archive · 26 Jun 2025
Bengal School Ends Decades-Old Separate Meals for Religious Groups
A school in India used to serve lunch to Hindu and Muslim students separately, with different kitchens and utensils.
After an investigation, they stopped this.
Now, everyone will eat together, aiming to create a more inclusive environment.
This change ensures all children are treated the same, following guidelines of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, which encourages children from different backgrounds to share meals to promote equality.
Kishoriganj Manmohanpur Primary School in West Bengal stopped separate mid-day meals for Hindu and Muslim students.
The practice, in place since 2000, was discontinued following an investigation ordered by the district administration.
Separate kitchens, utensils, and cooks were used for different religious groups.
A meeting with stakeholders was held to address the issue and implement changes.
A Self-Help Group will manage the mid-day meal cooking, ensuring unified meals for all students.
- Who
- The school administration, district administration, parents, and a Self-Help Group are involved.
- What
- Kishoriganj Manmohanpur Primary School ended separate mid-day meals based on religion.
- When
- The practice was discontinued on Wednesday, after being in place since 2000.
- Where
- Kishoriganj Manmohanpur Primary School, Purbasthali I Block, West Bengal, India.
- Why
- The practice was discontinued to promote inclusivity and address concerns of religious segregation.
Historical Practice vs. Inclusivity
Promoting Unity
Accommodations vs. Social Cohesion
Historical Practice vs. Inclusivity
The separate meal arrangements may have been in place due to requests by some parents.
Promoting Unity
The practice promoted division and segregation among students.
- School Name
- Kishoriganj Manmohanpur Primary School
- Location
- Purbasthali I Block, West Bengal, India
- Students
- 72 (29 Muslims, 43 Hindus)
- Meal Arrangement
- Unified meals for all students
- Start of Segregation
- 2000
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme
- Launched in 1995
