Nagada Malnutrition Deaths: NHRC Seeks Action-Taken Report From Odisha

Jajpur: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought response from Odisha government on what steps have been taken following malnutrition deaths in Nagada of Jajpur district. The NHRC has directed the State Chief Secretary to submit response within four weeks.

The direction came following a petition alleging that children are still not getting nutritious food in the area.

Tucked in the forested hills in Jajpur district, Nagada had made it to the headlines for malnutrition deaths a few years back. In 2016, about 21 children had died in the tribal-dominated village allegedly due to malnutrition. The incident had caused an outrage and the state government drew flak from all quarters.

Earlier this year, farmers of Nagada had denied getting any sort of financial assistance under KALIA scheme of the State government even though they had applied for the same. They even accused the local Forest department officials of stopping farming activity in the area.