NHRC issues notice to Haryana Govt. on severe malnutrition in children

The National Human Rights Commission on Tuesday has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report, quoting a study of PGI, Chandigarh, that Karnal, Yamuna Nagar, Panchkula and Ambala districts of Haryana have an alarming situation on malnutrition among children, and has issued notice to the Haryana Government.

According to the report, 37.4 percent children of these districts were found to be underweight; 42.8 percent suffered from stunted growth; and 17.5 percent from wasting. 95 percent children were found anaemic in district Karnal.

The report also quoted Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Mission Director, National Rural Health Mission, that children with severe acute malnutrition have nine time higher risk of death than well-nourished children. He also said 53% deaths under the age of five were due to malnutrition in Haryana.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the press report, carried on the March 11, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of children in Haryana.

It has directed the Director, PGI, Chandigarh to submit the detailed study report referred to in the media report.

A notice has also been issued to the Haryana Government's Principal Secretary (Health), calling upon him to submit a report.

Both the officers have been given six weeks time to respond.