The order follows a report that, on a recent day, students from a government school were escorted to a Bandi Utsava (bull‑cart festival) in Kebbehura village for a communal lunch. Village leaders and members of the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) are said to have asked the head teacher to send all students to the venue, and the teacher complied.
According to a note from the district administration, it was alleged that 18 students belonging to the Dalit community were refused food at the event. The incident was subsequently reported in the media, prompting the Deputy Commissioner to intervene.
In the circular, Shreeroopa emphasized that the Mid‑Day Meal Scheme already provides hot, hygienic meals to students in government schools, and that school heads must ensure its proper implementation. Consequently, any external outing for meals or other purposes is now strictly prohibited unless it is part of a special government or educational programme and prior permission is obtained from the relevant department.
The Deputy Commissioner warned that schools or officials who violate the order, or show negligence in its implementation, will be held directly responsible and disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with existing rules. The measure is presented as a precaution to prevent recurrence of discrimination based on caste, religion or community and to safeguard the safety, equality and dignity of all students.
The directive also mandates that, if an external activity is unavoidable, all prescribed safety measures and government regulations must be strictly followed. The order applies uniformly to all government, aided and unaided schools across the Chamarajanagar district.