New Delhi : Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports about the death of 600 kids from malnutrition this year in Palghar district of Maharashtra, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday issued a notice to the Devendra Fadnavis government.
The Commission has called for a detailed report of the matter within four weeks.
“The Commission has observed that the state authorities are required to be conscious towards the plight of the residents, especially children and aged persons. Such a huge number of deaths of children in a year amounts to violation of the right to life and health of the poor victims,” says the notice sent to the Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra.
The notice states, “Excerpts of news stories reveal that the area having tribal population is the most vulnerable, already affected by poverty, illiteracy and lack of awareness towards government welfare and health care schemes.”
The Commission’s notice also mentions a tribal woman who lost her two-year-old child (Sagar Wagh) due to severe malnutrition in the month of August this year.
“The angry residents of a tribal village Khoch confronted the Tribal Welfare Minister of the State, who stated that the government is doing its work and the schemes are being implemented. The locals have alleged that the funds are being allocated but not reaching the beneficiaries,” reads the notice seeking state’s response over the allegations and news reports.
(Source: Daily News & Analysis)