Stop for hard proof before making accusations public

Teachers say the rice is inedible

Tests conducted at a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) laboratory revealed rice supplied to a suburban school was not plastic/Chinese rice, but a fortified version of the grain.

These tests happened after the school complained to the police verbally and posted a video regarding the same on social media, the civic body seized the consignment and sent it for tests. The school might now have to face some trouble as the BMC education officer has warned of action against the authorities for defaming them. The school received the rice from BMC's education department on September 1 and soon after distributed it among 450 kids.

The school authorities had said that they received plastic rice and also a lesser quantity of it, after parents complained regarding the same. However, BMC's laboratory tests checked all aspects and everything has been found to be above board. The school officials insisted that they complained only after parents pointed out that the rice had a problem. It is wiser to wait for a while, seek counsel and guidance if one is faced with a problem. The school could have also tested it with a laboratory of its own choice.

This is a lesson that we need to double check in every aspect of life, before succumbing to the temptation of uploading accusations on social media. The medium because of its quick click nature could lead to far bigger trouble. It is always wiser to wait, think and take a measured call and this is not just limited to this particular case. The civic authorities have at times, justifiably, invited anger and ire. Yet, when they are right, we must say they are right. Let fairness and careful criticism when needed, rule.