Maharashtra: 17,000 children died due to malnutrition in last 1 year; HC asks what is state doing

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday expressed its concern about the increasing deaths of children due to malnourishment in the state. As per figures provided to the court around 17,000 children died in different parts of the state due to malnourishment in last one year.

A division bench of Justice V M Kanade and Justice Swapna Joshi said, "This is a serious matter and the government should take immediate steps to address this problem." The court also asked the government to enumerate steps which it has taken to help malnourished children and their mothers. The government also has to place on record the amount of central grant it receives and how does it use it.

As regards to shortage of gynaecologist and paediatricians in tribal areas, it was suggested to the government to increase the present stipend and remuneration of doctors and take steps to depute doctors in tribal areas. The court remarked that for every small issue or work to be done why is that the state government needs directions from courts and why cant the government act on their own.

The court was also informed that 283 children were reportedly dead in Melghat due to malnourishment.

The high court was hearing a bunch of PILs regarding malnutrition among children in Melghat of Vidarbha, a region which is known for highest malnourishment deaths and other tribal areas in Maharashtra. The court has now posted the matter for further hearing on October 14.