Conflicting official reports raise questions over GMSSS-46D canteen inquiry

Chandigarh: An inquiry into the operation of a food facility at Govt Model Senior Secondary School (GMSSS), Sector 46-D, led to contradictory official records issued by the Chandigarh education department within 48 hours, with documents placing different descriptions on the same facility and recording divergent conclusions.The issue pertains to complaints regarding the functioning of a canteen or pantry on school premises and the sale of food items to students. An inquiry committee was constituted by the district education officer (DEO) to examine the matter.
As per the action taken report (ATR) dated Jan 27, 2026, issued by the DEO office, the inquiry committee recorded that "the principal was instructed to close the canteen/pantry with immediate effect." The report adds that the principal "submitted in writing that services of the pantry were discontinued on January 12, 2026." The ATR notes "procedural lapses" and confirms that directions were issued to shut the facility.However, a second report dated Jan 29, 2026, submitted to the Prime Minister's Office grievance portal by the directorate of school education, records a different conclusion. The report states that "the allegation regarding illegal operation of canteen/tea vendor in the school premises is not factually correct." It refers to the facility as a "tea vendor" and states that the issue was examined on the basis of records and statements. The report does not mention the closure direction cited in the Jan 27 ATR.The two reports, signed by members of the same inquiry committee, do not cross-reference each other and present differing factual positions regarding the nature and legality of the facility.On Jan 30, 2026, the school principal submitted a written declaration to the Food Safety Department stating: "It is certified that pantry/canteen services of GMSSS Sector 46-D were discontinued from January 12, 2026." The declaration bears the official seal and signature of the principal.Earlier, a canteen inspection report dated Dec 19, 2025, records students "buying junk food" and lists items such as "carbonated drinks, chocolates, sandwiches and other junk food" being sold at the facility.Official orders issued by the directorate of school education show that the school was operational from Jan 3, 2026, with regulated timings during the cold wave period. The Jan 27 ATR records that the canteen was closed on Jan 12, prior to any food sampling or seizure by food safety authorities.The complainant submitted the documents to multiple authorities, alleging contradictions in official reporting and seeking verification of records submitted to different offices.Responding to queries, director, school education Nitish Singla said the matter was under examination. He stated that he was aware of the issue at a preliminary level and that the documents would be examined in detail before any further decision.Education department officials maintained that the issue was examined administratively. The matter remains under consideration with the Chandigarh Administration. MSID:: 128037915 413 |