NHRC asks Orissa to reply on ''food security'' in KBK region

Bhubaneswar, Jan 19 (PTI) Expressing ''concern'' aboutthe ''food security'' of poor people in poverty-strickenKBK (Kalahandi-Balangir-Koraput) region, National Human RightsCommission today directed the Orissa government to presentstatus of its recommendation on implementation of welfareschemes in the area.

"The state government has been directed to depute anofficer to be present before the commission on March 21, 2011giving status on the implementation of recommendations of thecommission," NHRC Chairperson Justice K G Balakrishnan saidafter completion of the two-day camp here.

Stating that the NHRC aimed to wipe out the cause ofalleged starvation deaths, malnutrition and other problemsfaced by people in the KBK region, Balakrishnan said thecommission wanted to know about the status of itsrecommendations on different welfare schemes includingpublic distribution system, health, special security schemesin the area.

"The commission has also directed the state governmentto effetively co-ordinate and implement variuous schemes forthe KBK districts," he said.

Worried over no substantial development in the KBKregion despite implementation of different welfare measures,the commission held a separate session to discusss issuesrelating to the area. .