In Katni district of Madhya Pradesh, at the Anganwadi center located in Sehra Tola of Kothi village, Dhemarkheda tehsil, goats were reportedly seen eating the mid-day meal alongside children. A video of the incident went viral on social media on Saturday, prompting officials to order an immediate investigation.
The video shows children sitting on the ground while eating their meal, with goats also taking food from the same plates nearby. Neither the Anganwadi worker nor her assistant are seen in the footage, raising serious concerns about supervision and child safety.
According to local authorities, the Anganwadi center is operating in a private, dilapidated building due to the absence of a proper government facility. Villagers said the center’s remote location makes it inconvenient for both children and parents.
District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Harsimranpreet Kaur stated that she became aware of the incident on Friday and that an investigation has been initiated. Program Officer of the Women and Child Development Department, Vanshree Kurveti, said that the supervisor Anita Pradhan and Anganwadi worker Meena Baiga have been issued show-cause notices. Strict action will be taken if they are found guilty.
The incident comes at a time when the quality and monitoring of Anganwadi centers and mid-day meal programs in Madhya Pradesh are increasingly under scrutiny. Similar reports of children being served meals under inadequate conditions have also emerged from other districts in the state.
