29 August,2026 07:47 PM IST | Hingoli | mid-day online correspondent
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke inspects facilities at a government-run school in Aundha, Hingoli, during his “School Thik Karo” campaign. File pic
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder and student activist Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday alleged that expired food packets meant for students were found at a government-run school in Aundha in Maharashtra's Hingoli district during his visit as part of the "School Thik Karo" campaign.
Dipke also raised concerns over inadequate water facilities at the school, including a non-functional water filter and a lack of water supply in the bathroom.
During his visit, Dipke showed packets of spices to the media and claimed that they had expired in February but were still being used for preparing food for students.
"The students are given food from packets that expired back in February. Now September is about to start. Will they feed the children of ministers from the same packets of food? Their children come from poor families, so you will feed them expired food?" he said.
Dipke alleged that the packets had been in use for around six months and questioned the authorities over the quality of food being provided to students.
The activist also inspected the school's overhead water tank and checked the water available inside it. He subsequently spoke to the concerned local officer regarding the issues.
Dipke claimed that although a water filter had been installed at the school, it was not functioning, forcing students to rely on borewell water for drinking.
"There is a filter, but the students are drinking borewell water because the filter is not functioning. There is no water in the bathroom also," he told the officer over the phone.
The allegations raised concerns about the availability of safe drinking water and basic sanitation facilities for students.
Dipke further alleged that the school faced serious infrastructure constraints. According to him, the school has only two classrooms for 87 students, despite four grades being sanctioned.
He criticised the conditions faced by students and alleged that they were being treated worse than animals.
The concerns raised during the visit relate to food safety, drinking water, sanitation and classroom infrastructure at the government-run school.
Dipke launched the "School Thik Karo" campaign on August 15 with the stated aim of highlighting basic infrastructure deficiencies in rural government schools and seeking accountability from the government.
The campaign focuses on issues affecting students in government schools and seeks attention to facilities considered essential for their education and well-being.
The latest allegations at the Aundha school have highlighted concerns over the quality of food being supplied to students, access to drinking water and the availability of adequate classrooms.
(With inputs from PTI)
