Surat School Faces Controversy Over Non-Veg Party; In-Charge Principal Suspended
A controversy erupted at a Surat Municipal School after a non-vegetarian meal was reportedly served during a “get-together” event held without permission. The incident took place at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay School No. 342 in the city’s Godadara area, where alumni from the 1987–1991 batch had organized a reunion on Sunday, October 12. A banner in Telugu outside the school announced the event, and videos later showed tables set up and non-veg dishes being served, sparking outrage in the local education community.
Following the uproar, the school’s in-charge principal, Prabhakar Eligeti, was suspended. Sources revealed that a member of the education committee, reportedly linked to previous controversies, tried to protect the suspended official. The issue came to public attention after an individual named Suresh Suhagiya filed a complaint, leading to demands for disciplinary action against the principal, CRC, URC officers, and all teaching and non-teaching staff who attended the party.
City officials said the incident violated school rules and municipal norms. Municipal community halls in Surat already prohibit the serving of non-vegetarian food, further intensifying the seriousness of the matter. The Congress party also condemned the event, stating that conducting such an activity in a “sacred space like a school” without approval was unacceptable and that strict action must be taken against those responsible.
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When asked about the issue, Education Committee Chairman Rajendra Kapadiya said he was unaware of the event. “Even permission for a regular meal is not granted inside schools, let alone a chicken party,” he stated. He confirmed that an inquiry had been launched and that action would follow after the report. The administrative officer also claimed to have no prior knowledge of the event and said the matter would be thoroughly investigated.