AGARTALA/ MANU, August 5 (TIWN): Nothing can be more shameful than a teacher snatching food from the mouth of a student.

Pilferage of ration meant for mid-day meal scheme is rampant and unfortunately, in most cases the main culprit is the teacher.

Resentment brewed up when the localities of Manu bazzar area spotted a school teacher selling rice allotted for the mid-day meal scheme in the open market.

Allegedly, a school teacher of Ladhua HS School was traced with few quintal bag of rice allotted for mid-day meal scheme in a school.

Local people stopped him along with the rice bags from a shop which was being brought from the school go down for selling in the market.

When the localites stopped and asked him about the bags of rice, the school teacher tried to hush-up the matter and said that he got the rice bags from his home.

However, after proper investigation it was found that he has brought the rice bags from the school for selling it in the open marker for gripping some money.

The localites got furious and reported the issue to the local village committee and school authority and asked them to take immediate action.

The guardians of the students alleged that the accused have been stealing the rice meant for students since last many days. Nobody could understand how it was being done. The accused, including many other are also involved in this incident, alleged guardian.

The school management committees, and inspectors of schools have been asked by the guardians to keep vigil on midday meal distribution in each school every day and stern actions would be taken in case of any lapse.

The guardian further said, besides the allegations of pilferage of ration, the mid-day meal scheme is affecting the teaching schedule, as the teachers either remain busy monitoring the preparation of food or managing the kids waiting anxiously for the food.