Principal resigns as police probe student meals being cut

The principal of Hoang Thu Pho 1 Primary School in Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam, has resigned amid a police investigation into footage showing students receiving reduced meal portions, including plain instant noodles soup. The resignation comes after the principal, Tran Ngoc Ha, was suspended on December 18 following the airing of images on national television depicting students receiving inadequate meals.

A report by VTV24 on December 16 revealed that lunches at the school showed signs of reduced portions. A table with 11 students had only two instant noodle packages boiled as soup, served with rice, while the menu stated that each student would receive one instant noodle package and one egg. Students were also given minimal portions of minced pork paste and vegetable broth for lunch and dinner, despite the menu indicating larger quantities of food. Additionally, spoiled vegetables were present in the kitchen, and students were instructed to remove them.

Authorities in Bac Ha District initially called for further verification of the matter. In its latest report, the district confirmed that the information as presented on TV was accurate. The school was found to have committed numerous violations, including the absence of a payment list for students' leftover meals, lack of the principal's signature on food import and export documents, and discrepancies in the daily food purchase entry table.

The case has now been transferred to the police for further investigation. The school, Hoang Thu Pho 1, has 174 boarding students subject to the government's support policy. The government funds the cost of students' meals, which amounted to over VND 501 million (approximately US$20,450) for four months, along with the salary for five cooks totaling VND 54 million for four months. As of the end of October, the school had disbursed more than VND 250 million.

The investigation highlights concerns about the well-being of students and the management of government-funded programs in educational institutions.