Andhra Pradesh, Nov 6: Forty-four girl students fell ill at the AP Gurukulam Residential Girls’ School in Kurupam, Andhra Pradesh, triggering fresh concerns over food safety, drinking water quality and hygiene in government residential institutions. The incident reportedly took place on Thursday, with the affected students receiving treatment at the Madilingi Primary Health Centre (PHC). However, the incident came to light only after a delay, raising questions about the school’s management and the authorities’ response.
This is not the first time students at the Kurupam Gurukulam have faced health problems. Earlier, two Class 10 girl students reportedly died, while many of the students were admitted to hospitals on different occasions due to health-related issues. Despite these repeated incidents, questions remain over the measures taken by officials to ensure food quality, safe drinking water, proper sanitation and medical supervision.
Another concern is the availability of a 50-bed Community Health Centre (CHC) in Kurupam. Despite the facility being located nearby, the 44 affected students were reportedly treated at a primary health centre. This has raised questions about why the available healthcare infrastructure was not used and whether adequate medical facilities were arranged for the students.
Repeated Food Safety Incidents in Andhra Government Schools
The Kurupam incident is part of a wider pattern of student health concerns reported from government schools, residential institutions and hostels across Andhra Pradesh. In August 2024, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance of two food poisoning incidents in the state and issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police. However, similar incidents have continued to surface.
In 2025, 19 girl students reportedly fell ill following an incident involving a lizard allegedly found in sambar at the Government Women’s Junior College in Tuni. At the Ambedkar Girls’ Gurukulam in Thonduru, students also reportedly developed health problems after eating their meals.
In another incident, students at the BC Boys’ Hostel in Srikalahasti fell ill after breakfast. The Payakaraopeta BC Girls’ Gurukulam also came under scrutiny after a cockroach was reportedly found in Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha’s food plate while she was having a meal at the institution. In the same year, allegations emerged that a centipede was found in upma served at a girls’ hostel in Srikalahasti.
More Student Health Incidents Reported Across Andhra
Several other residential institutions have also reported similar problems. At the Panyam Tribal Gurukulam in Nandyal district, 23 students reportedly fell ill. Students at the SC Boys’ Hostel in Orvakal were also hospitalised after suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea.
Kurupam Gurukulam itself has witnessed repeated student health concerns, including reports of jaundice among students. In 2026, incidents involving student illness were also reported at the Polavaram Tribal Welfare Residential School, the hostel of Kadapa RIMS Dental College, VR Puram and Kotavuratla.
The recurrence of such incidents has raised serious questions about the standards maintained in government residential institutions across the state.
Questions Over Food Quality and Student Safety
Despite repeated incidents, concerns remain over the government’s monitoring of food quality, drinking water safety, kitchen hygiene, food storage practices and medical facilities in residential schools.
The government needs to ensure that students receive safe and nutritious meals rather than limiting its focus to publicity surrounding welfare initiatives such as the Dokka Seethamma Midday Meal Scheme. Ensuring the health and safety of students must be a priority for the Education Department headed by Minister Nara Lokesh.
The latest incident at Kurupam has once again brought the department’s accountability under scrutiny. Parents and students need clear answers about the reasons behind these recurring health problems and the preventive measures being implemented.
Government Must Answer Questions Over Kurupam Gurukulam Incident
What caused 44 girl students to fall ill at Kurupam Gurukulam? What action was taken following the earlier deaths and repeated health incidents at the institution? Why was information about the latest incident reportedly delayed?
These questions require immediate answers from the Andhra Pradesh government.
Senior officials must conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and carry out special inspections across government schools, Gurukulams and residential hostels. Strict monitoring of food preparation, drinking water, sanitation and medical facilities is essential.
The government must also fix responsibility and take action against officials found negligent. Student safety cannot be compromised, and residential schools must provide a healthy and secure environment for every child.
