New Delhi, Sep 16 (PTI) The Congress on Wednesday attacked the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh over the death of tribal children due to various diseases in Balaghat district and demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Rajendra Shukla.
Vikrant Bhuria, head of the party’s tribal wing, alleged that “pressure is being exerted on those raising their voices against the death of over 35 tribal children” and attempts were being made to “silence” them.
He said that in the Legislative Assembly, the Madhya Pradesh government had revealed that Rs 12 per day was being spent to combat severe acute malnutrition among children.
“Malnutrition is a major issue in Madhya Pradesh, and it is the reason behind the children’s deaths in Balaghat. People in the area have not received rations for six months,” Bhuria said at a press conference along with Sadhna Bharti here.
Bhuria said vaccination coverage in areas like Balaghat is below 70 per cent, which led to the outbreak of measles.
He alleged that the government had also failed to take adequate measures to prevent diseases like malaria.
Bhuria questioned whether malnutrition could truly be eradicated with an expenditure of just Rs 12.
He also cited several other incidents concerning the healthcare system in Madhya Pradesh, alleging that an “entire system of corruption” has taken root in the state.
In her remarks, Bharti demanded the resignation of Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Shukla.
She also demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for each affected family and a government job for one family member.
Bharti further called for a detailed inquiry into the Balaghat incident and demanded that adequate relief and healthcare facilities be provided to the affected families.
Last week, the Madhya Pradesh High Court had sought a response from the state government over the deaths. A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Pradeep Mittal issued notices to the Health Department, the Women and Child Development Department, Balaghat collector and others while hearing a PIL.
The petition alleged inadequate treatment and claimed that around 400 children were being treated at a hospital with a capacity of 50 beds. It also alleged that yellow-coloured water was coming from handpumps in the affected areas and that children and women had not received nutritious food on time for several months. PTI ASK ASK KVK KVK
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