A food circular issued by Seven Square School in Mira Road East, asking students not to bring non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, potatoes, beetroot and other root vegetables during the eight-day Paryushan period, has triggered a complaint and scrutiny by education authorities.
The school, which is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education, is run by Seven Eleven Education Society. The society is associated with Bhayandar MLA Narendra Mehta, whose wife is its chairperson. Jainism’s Paryushan period began on Tuesday, according to the report.
The circular was issued through the school’s online portal and asked students to refrain from carrying the specified items in their lunch boxes during the period. The decision has drawn criticism because students from different communities study at the school.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena has complained to the civic education officer, alleging that religious practices were being imposed on students. A separate complaint has also been submitted to the Human Rights Commission. MNS functionary Sachin Pokle has alleged that Mehta’s religious identity influenced the school’s decision.
Mehta defended the circular, saying it was intended to encourage children to eat nutritious food and avoid items he considered unhealthy. “Our intention is to ensure that children eat nutritious food during this period and avoid these items,” he said. He also questioned the criticism, arguing that families sometimes avoid non-vegetarian food during festivals and religious observances.
The education department said the school could not take such a decision without approval from parent-school representative bodies. A senior education department official told The Times of India that approval from bodies such as the Parent Teacher Association and the School Management Committee would be required.
Sulabha Watare, education officer for Mira-Bhayander, said she had received information about the matter and would inspect the school. “I was in Thane throughout the day today. I have received information about the matter. However, I will visit the school tomorrow and conduct an inspection. Only after that will I be able to comment on the issue,” she said.
Arundhati Chavan of the PTA United Forum said the decision conflicted with the principle that families should choose their own food practices. “It is the parent’s choice; each one follows their own religion and beliefs, which should not be imposed on children,” she said.
The school has also faced separate allegations concerning the use of land reserved for a technical school under Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s Development Plan Reservation Number 237. Activists have alleged political pressure and irregular property transfers involving a trust and a company. The school has been operating since 2008, and a case linked to those allegations is pending before the court.
The education department’s inspection is the next official step in determining whether the food circular followed the required school-management process.
