The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) today asked the state government to submit an action-taken report (ATR) within three weeks after at least 19 infants died allegedly due to malnutrition in three months at Nagada village in the mineral-rich Jajpur district.
"Let a copy of the petition be sent to Chief Secretary, Odisha, Bhubaneswar to look into the matter and an action taken report submitted to the Commission within three weeks," the order issued by the OHRC said.
The OHRC issued this order while adjudicating on the petition filed by Nishikanta Mishra, an advocate, Odisha High Court, seeking justice for the poor tribal people of Nagada village who have lost 19 children within three months.
The Commission took into consideration the enormity of the problems faced by the people of Nagada, and to mitigate the same on a war-footing, felt it is imperative that immediate medical attention and care be made available to them by deputing a dedicated medical team to the village, it said.
Besides safe drinking water, free rations and essential medicines are the urgent requirements of the people and should be provided to them on a regular basis, the OHRC said adding that 'Anganwadi' Centres for the benefit of tribal children were needed.
The village Nagada situated on a hill top under Chungudipal Gram Panchayat in Jajpur district has exposed the lack of attention of government authorities towards the health-related problems of such tribals, the petitioner said alleging that malnutrition is mainly responsible for such heavy loss of lives.
The matter was posted for next hearing on August 22, 2016.
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The petitioner has also alleged that while several
schemes are being implemented for the benefit of the targetted groups, unfortunately, the people of Nagada have so far not been covered with such schemes.
He alleged that inaccessible nature of the terrain has been the main hindrance for the villagers to avail of any medical services and also to access to other benefits as provided to others living in the plains.
Meanwhile, the state government today decided to set up two mini 'Anganwadi' centres in Nagada village. The decision was taken at a reveiew meeting here presided over by Woman and Child Development Minister Usha Devi.
"Since there is no road connectivity to the village, which is situated on a hilltop, it will be easier for the district administration to provide the people with all basic requirements relating to health and drinking water supply if they come down to the foothill and settle there," the minister said.
"It all depends on the villagers. If they are not willing to come down the hill, we will make alternative arrangements for them," she said.
The minister said her department has made provision to provide take-home ration cards and 'chhatua' to each family of the village through Anganwadi workers.
Replying a question on the alleged malnutrition at the village inahbitated by Juang tribals, the minister said there is no concept of family planning in the village. Some families in the village have 8-9 children.
"As per the survey conducted by my department, 24 families in this village have 122 children.
Such disturbing phenomenon is due to lack of awareness among the Juang tribals.
