Hunger: NHRC lashes out at Orissa govt

Expressing displeasure over the non-compliance of its directives related to starvation deaths in the KBK district, the National Human Rights...

Expressing displeasure over the non-compliance of its directives related to starvation deaths in the KBK district, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday asked the Orissa government to file a comprehensive affidavit by November 30.

On the basis of the report submitted by its special raporteur Chamanlal, the Commission had heard the case on October 10 at Delhi. Although the Chief Secretary was supposed to appear before the Commission, it was Revenue Secretary R.L. Jamuda who represented the former.

DIGVIJAY DENIES

Bhopal: MP Chief Minister Digvijay Singh on Friday denied starvation deaths in his state, saying there is no such thing as starvation. Asked if people had suffered acute malnourishment and related diseases leading to their deaths, he said such deaths could be confirmed only after a post-mortem.
He read out names reported in the media as starvation deaths and disputed them case wise. However, the government failed to give this list to the media. —ENS

Story continues below this ad

In his report, Chamanlal had pointed out to the Commission the lack of sensitivity to human problems by some departments. The deficiencies pointed out by the Commission in the compliance report of the state government include water supply, sanitation, health care and public distribution system.

Although the Rural Development Department promised to operationalise self-employment mechanics (SEM) schemes in all the districts way back in November, 2001, the department has failed to keep its promise.

The Commission also flayed the Health Department for poor health services in the KBK region. It said the health services ‘‘are deteriorating because of a large number of vacancies for doctors’ posts.’’

Canada, UK and Australia formally recognise a Palestinian state

World11 hr ago

The UK, Canada, and Australia have recognized Palestine as a state, going against the US and Israel's opposition. British PM Starmer aims to revive peace without Hamas and hostage release. Canada and Australia also recognize Palestine, condemning terrorism. Over 145 UN members recognize Palestine, with France likely to join soon.

View all shorts

Live Blog