Hunger deaths: UP Guv directs action against erring officials

Banda, Jan 22 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Governor T V Rajeswar today ordered stringent action against ''officials responsible'' for hunger deaths in the drought-hit districts of the state.

Casualties due to hunger and water scarcity were a blot for a civilised society, Mr Rajeswar said after reviewing drought relief works in Banda district headquarters.

District Magistrates concerned are solely responsible in such cases. Therefore, stern action needs to be initiated against them, he underlined.

He further warned the officials to either pull up socks or face the music.

The governor also directed for 100-day employment to people falling under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).

Earlier in the day, Mr Rajeswar reviewed relief works at Batokhar Khurd and Bharkhari villages in Banda Tehsil, where local SP MLA Vishambhar Prasad Nishad handed over a memorandum to him.

The memorandum demanded Rs 50,000 assistance to drought victim farmers and waiving off their loans.

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