July 22, 2018:

Bombay HC has sought to know from Maharashtra Government if it distributes nutritious food to children and lactating mothers living in the tribal belt of the State.

HC's Division Bench of Justice N H Patil and Justice G S Kulkarni posed the question while hearing a Bunch of PILs highlighting rise in malnutrition deaths and illnesses among those living in Melghat region of Vidarbha and other Tribal areas of Maharashtra.

Different Benches of the High Court have passed several orders on issue over the last 2 years, directing Government to ensure that people in Tribal areas get adequate nutritious food, proper healthcare, sanitation and education facilities.

On July 17, Government submitted before HC a chart indicating the number of health camps held in Melghat, Amravati district, to address the issue of malnutrition. The chart also shows that the government would regularly hold such camps to provide medical aid to children, newborns, women and others.

High Court took the chart on record, but sought to know what steps were being taken to provide food to children and lactating mothers.

Bench stated that,"The government pleader shall take instructions as to whether the departments concerned of the state machinery distribute nutritious food to children and lactating mothers".

High Court Bench posted the petitions for further hearing on August 1, 2018.

Source PTI

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