Congress Demands Investigation into Tribal Child Deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra
The Congress has demanded the constitution of a special committee to investigate the deaths of tribal children in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Addressing a press conference, All India Adivasi Congress chief Vikrant Bhuria raised concerns over malnutrition in Madhya Pradesh and living conditions in Maharashtra’s tribal hostels, seeking accountability from responsible officials alongside comprehensive safety audits.
What Happened
According to statements made by Adivasi Congress chief Vikrant Bhuria, 22 children belonging to the Baiga tribal community recently died in the Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh due to malnutrition and related health conditions. Bhuria stated that household delivery of nutritional meals had ceased for six months in the affected locality, while the closest primary health centre is located 20 kilometres away. He also reported that local vaccination coverage remained under 80 percent.
Addressing conditions in Madhya Pradesh, Bhuria referenced a Legislative Assembly query regarding budget allocations and spending for malnutrition prevention in tribal blocks between 2020 and 2025. He noted that the government’s official response revealed malnourished children receive nutritional meals valued at only ₹12 per day.
Regarding Maharashtra, Bhuria highlighted conditions at a tribal hostel in Gadchiroli, alleging that upwards of 70 girls were forced to sleep on the floor inside a single room. Following a snakebite incident at the facility, six girls were admitted to the hospital, leading to the deaths of three students. In connection with hostel infrastructure concerns, students in Nashik have initiated a hunger strike demanding improved facilities.
Key Highlights
- The Congress has sought a special committee probe into the deaths of tribal children in both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
- In Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, 22 children from the Baiga tribe reportedly died from malnutrition and related illnesses amid suspended meal deliveries and distant healthcare facilities.
- Legislative records shared by Bhuria indicate that state spending on nutritional meals for malnourished children stood at ₹12 per day.
- In Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, three girls died and three others were hospitalised after being bitten by a snake in an overcrowded hostel room.
- The party has demanded safety audits across tribal hostels and administrative action against officials responsible for lapses.
- Protesting students in Nashik continue a hunger strike to seek better basic facilities in tribal hostels.
Why This Matters
The allegations highlight serious concerns regarding tribal healthcare, food security, and residential infrastructure in rural areas. The reports point to critical gaps in welfare delivery, including interrupted nutritional programs, low vaccination rates, distant medical services, and severe overcrowding in state-run tribal accommodations.
What to Watch Next
Key developments to follow include whether state authorities order a formal inquiry or set up the requested special probe committee, what actions may be initiated regarding official accountability, and how authorities respond to the ongoing student hunger strikes in Nashik.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary demands raised by the Congress?
The Congress has urged the government to set up a special committee to investigate the fatalities in Balaghat and Gadchiroli, conduct safety audits of tribal hostels, and penalise officials responsible for administrative lapses.
What specific issues were highlighted regarding Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh?
Adivasi Congress chief Vikrant Bhuria reported that 22 Baiga tribal children died from malnutrition and related diseases, home delivery of nutritional meals had been halted for six months, healthcare centres are situated 20 km away, and immunization coverage remains below 80 percent.
What incident occurred at the tribal hostel in Maharashtra?
In Gadchiroli, more than 70 girls were reportedly accommodated on the floor of a single room, leading to a snakebite incident where six girls were hospitalised and three died.
Source: Based on statements provided by the All India Adivasi Congress during a press conference reported by The Hindu.