NHRC issues notice to UP Government on the alleged starvation deaths of children
The National Human Rights Commission took cognizance of the alleged death of 18 tribal children in District Sonebhadra, Uttar Pradesh due to hunger in response to a petition sent by Dr. Lenin, Convenor of Peoples Vigilance Committee on Human Rights. Dr. Lenin stated that 18 children between 3 -7 years died because of hunger in Naibasti, Rope Village, Tehsil Robertsganj, District Sonebhadra, Uttar Pradesh. He also alleged that the District Administration had not taken proper steps.
At a recent meeting, the Full Commission noted that if the allegations were true, the matter required urgent attention by the authorities as precious human rights of the tribals were alleged to have been violated. The Commission also noted that it presented a very distressing picture. Accordingly, it issued notice to the Chief Secretary, UP to examine the allegations and send a report to the Commission within six weeks.
Dr. Lenin also drew attention of the Commission to the restrictions imposed on the access of Ghasia tribals to forest produce, land alienation among tribals and harassment of tribals by forest officials. He also alleged that the tribals were forced to subsist on poisonous grasses and wild mushrooms. He also complained of lack of ration cards, support systems for pregnant women in the 43 villages adjoining the district of Varanasi in which a survey was conducted by the Peoples Vigilance Committee on Human Rights.
At a recent meeting, the Full Commission noted that if the allegations were true, the matter required urgent attention by the authorities as precious human rights of the tribals were alleged to have been violated. The Commission also noted that it presented a very distressing picture. Accordingly, it issued notice to the Chief Secretary, UP to examine the allegations and send a report to the Commission within six weeks.
Dr. Lenin also drew attention of the Commission to the restrictions imposed on the access of Ghasia tribals to forest produce, land alienation among tribals and harassment of tribals by forest officials. He also alleged that the tribals were forced to subsist on poisonous grasses and wild mushrooms. He also complained of lack of ration cards, support systems for pregnant women in the 43 villages adjoining the district of Varanasi in which a survey was conducted by the Peoples Vigilance Committee on Human Rights.