Delhi Public School (DPS) in Noida has stirred controversy after issuing a circular on Wednesday urging parents to avoid sending non-vegetarian items in their children’s lunch boxes.
In response, Supriti Chauhan, the principal of DPS-Gautam Buddh Nagar in Sector 132, clarified the matter the following day, calling the circular as “only a respectful request.”
In her statement on Thursday, Chauhan clarified, “This is not a diktat, but only a request. We issue such a circular every year and this year’s is nothing new. There is no ban, no directive, no advisory…only a respectful request,” as reported by Hindustan Times.
What Is the Circular About?
The circular issued by the principal’s office on Wednesday, listed “two key considerations” for the request.
Firstly, Health and Safety: “Non-vegetarian food, when cooked in the morning for lunchtime consumption, can pose serious health risks if not stored and handled properly, and we prioritize our students’ well-being,” the circular stated.
Secondly, Inclusivity and Respect: “Our school values diversity and promotes a culture of inclusivity. By maintaining a vegetarian food environment, we ensure that all students feel respected and comfortable, regardless of their dietary preferences or restrictions, while eating their meals together,” it added.
Circular Faces Parent Backlash
The circular generated significant backlash from some parents who view it as an attempt to control their children’s food choices. One anonymous parent, who spoke to the publication, stated, “Vegetarian food also tends to go stale, hence, restricting non-vegetarian food items is uncalled for. Moreover, giving a full nutritious meal to their child is a parent’s prerogative and schools should not interfere in that.”
Manoj Kataria, founder of the Gautam Budh Nagar Parents Welfare Society, echoed these sentiments. “Each student at the school comes from a different culture and and had different food habits and all should be welcome to practise their own such habits. A request to avoid non-vegetarian food restricts food choices of parents for their children,” Kataria said.
Meanwhile, some parents supported the move. Pallavi Rai, a parent, remarked, “Educational institutions are just like temples for children, and eating non-vegetarian food there is not advisable. Moreover, a majority of students in that school are vegetarians, hence the circular is a good step.”
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