Surat municipal school under fire for non-veg menu at alumni event

A municipal school in Surat has been slammed for holding a “chicken party” was reportedly held during an alumni gathering. The event took place at Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Primary School in Godadara, managed by the Surat Municipal Primary Education Committee.

The gathering has sparked debate among parents, teachers, and local political groups, highlighting the sensitivities around school events in the city.

While the incident did not involve any reported safety or legal violations, it has triggered calls for disciplinary action against the school’s in-charge principal, CRC, URC, and other staff who attended the gathering.

Critics argue that even informal events in school premises should follow formal approvals, particularly when food is involved.

Alumni meet held without formal approval

The reunion of the 1987–1991 alumni batch was held on Sunday at School No 342 in Godadara. A Telugu-language banner outside the school announced the event. Tables and chairs were arranged for a meal, and non-vegetarian dishes were reportedly served. A video of the gathering circulated online, intensified public attention. 

The in-charge principal, Prabhakar Eligiti, along with other staff members, were present. Sources say some committee members have tried to shield the principal, despite the event allegedly taking place without formal approval.

The incident has also reignited broader discussions about oversight and accountability within municipal schools.

Suspension and investigation demanded

Several education and community members have requested that the principal, CRC, URC, and all staff present be suspended pending an investigation. The key issue is understanding who authorised the gathering, as neither the chairman nor the in-charge administrative officer were aware of it.

Committee chairman calls for inquiry

Education Committee Chairman Rajendra Kapadia said he was not informed about the event. “Schools are not even permitted to host regular food events, let alone a ‘chicken party,’” he stated. Kapadia added that the principal would be asked for an explanation and that strict action would follow an investigation.

The in-charge administrative officer also confirmed he had no prior knowledge of the event and called for an inquiry.

Non-veg food restrictions in context

Non-vegetarian food is banned even in municipal community halls built for social functions. This restriction is meant to respect cultural sensitivities, which makes the decision to serve non-veg dishes in a school particularly controversial. Against this backdrop, serving non-veg dishes in a school has drawn criticism, even though the event itself did not appear to violate any formal regulations.

The Surat Congress condemned the incident, stating, “A school is a sacred place, and such events without permission are unacceptable. A non-veg party cannot be tolerated under any circumstances, and strict action must be taken against those responsible.”