No one died of malnutrition in Rajasthan: Govt

Jaipur, Sep 18: There was not a single death of child due to malnutrition or hunger in Rajasthan, ruling BJP government told the state Assembly today.

On an issue raised by NPP MLA Dr K L Meena during Zero Hour, Medical and Health Minister R S Rathor said two children died of diseases on September 5 and 6, 2014. A baby boy Rahul (18 months) suffering from a boil since May 13, 2014, died due to low haemoglobin and low weight at a hospital in Pohari of Madhya Pradesh on September 5, the Minister said.

A baby girl Kallo (18 months) died while she was fed milk by her mother probably due to respiratory blockage in September, he added.

Rejecting Opposition members' allegations, the Minister said 40 malnutrition centres were opened at big hospitals and 60 in referral hospitals of the state to give free medicines and desired care to children in the state including in the Sahahari tribal belt.

There was no question of closing down any welfare schemes in Kishanganj-Shahabad areas, he said, adding, media reports were not correct.

Earlier NPP MLA Dr Meena alleged that at least six kids died of malnutrition in Kishanganj-Shahabad, and over 62 children fell ill and were lying in Baran hospital. Besides, Meena also accused the BJP government for not resolving the issue of malnutrition among the poor saying 12 other children were ill due to malnutrition in the government hospital in Udaipur.

Quoting a media report related to malnutrition deaths in local national daily newspapers, Meena said the previous government led by Congress's Ashok Gehlot had provided all facilities and ensured food security in the tribal belt which the ruling BJP government curtailed.

After the Minister's reply, Congress MLA Ramesh also highlighted malnutrition deaths and worsening situation due to food scarcity but the Speaker did not allow him to speak for long.

PTI