Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Manipur authorities fired the principal of the Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Zeikhuluang Loktak Project on August 3. This follows reports that students faced an acute food shortage. Some children reportedly went days without meals. Viral videos showed hungry students in tears and seeking medical care for weakness. Parents arrived Monday to pull their children from campus, slamming the administration for poor housing, hygiene, and providing water unfit to drink.
The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) stepped in. Chairperson Keisham Pradipkumar cited Section 14 of the Child Rights Act, 2005 to launch a formal investigation. Preliminary findings confirm food stocks were insufficient for the student body. The hostel even ran out of food for breakfast on several occasions. The commission labeled the situation a violation of children's rights.
Current NESTS guidelines mandate four meals a day for students. The 2025-26 Mess Management Guidelines explicitly state, "Providing quality food to the students constitutes an integral part of the residential experience. EMRS has the responsibility to provide nutritious, hygienic and well-balanced meals in a clean and disciplined environment." Each student is allotted ₹25,279 for annual mess expenses, while schools receive up to ₹18 lakh for maintenance.
The MCPCR ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur and the Director of Tribal Affairs and Hills to visit the site immediately. They must verify if food allocations match enrollment numbers and fix responsibility for any negligence. Officials have 48 hours to file a factual report and an Action Taken Report. Students who left will not return until management proves they have restored basic services, including clean water, healthcare, and proper housing. Copies of the directive were sent to the Superintendents of Police in Churachandpur and Bishnupur to ensure a coordinated response.
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