Oppn steps up heat, Raje govt springs into action

In Kishanganj, 46 children were admitted to the centre, while nine more were admitted in Mangrol.

The Sahariyas, concentrated in Baran district, are one of the most backward tribes of the state. The Raje government in its previous term had introduced 35 kgs of wheat at subsidised rates for the community. The subsequent Ashok Gehlot government brought in a wholesome package, including ghee, edible oil, pulses etc.

Raje, while doing away with most of the freebies brought in by Gehlot, also dropped the package for the Sahariyas, retaining only the sanction for kerosene and wheat.

Local MLA Lalit Meena, who visited hours before MP Dushyant Singh’s tour, said, “Do you see anyone dying of malnutrition or hunger here? The Opposition wants to politicise the issue and is making false allegations.”

However, Genawati, whose one-year-old son Krishan died last month, said, “It is not easy to find work here and all the subsidies have also stopped. Now we eat only rotis and sometimes manage to get a vegetable.”

Shivraj, who lost his 10-month-old son Rinku, told The Indian Express, “My son died due to acute diarrhoea.”

Meanwhile, Pilot, who is slated to visit on Monday, alleged, “The state government has been living in denial. Malnourished children have poor immunity and are an easy prey to a whole lot of diseases. It is worse that such gross neglect is taking place in the CM and her son’s home turf. What can get worse than children dying of hunger that too in today’s day and age?”