National Human Rights Commission has issued notice to Bihar government over reports that at least 72 children fell ill after having their midday meal in two government schools in the state.

In a statement issued in New Delhi on Monday, the NHRC said that the commission took suo motu cognisance of media reports on the two incidents of midday meal poisoning at government schools in Bhojpur and Muzaffarpur districts.

"The contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victim children," the commission observed.

The notice has been sent to principal secretary, department of education, government of Bihar and the report has been sought within two weeks, it said.

According to media reports carried on the June 24, 60 children fell ill after consuming midday meal at Mathia middle school in Bhojpur, and at least 12 children fell ill after having their meal at MusaharSchool in Aurai of Muzaffarpur.