State neglecting Melghat

NAGPUR, June 22: Yuva Anubhav Shiksha Kendra, a local voluntary organisation, alleged that the state government failed to take the desired steps for the welfare of tribals in the malnutrition-affected Melghat region.

A release issued here on Friday, informs that around 50 activists of the Kendra conducted a survey of nearly 150 villages between June 7 and 16, immediately after Chief Minister Manohar Joshi visited the area.

The organisation claims that very little from the interim order issued by the High Court had been implemented. The court order had come after public interest litigation suits had been filed by some social activists.

Even as the monsoon, which is the worst period for the tribals, has set in, the facilities provided by the government machinery is grossly inadequate. While there is no drinking water available at several villages, some have handpumps which do not function. The general awareness about proper nutrition has still not been created amongst the villagers, said the organisation members.