RS concern over starvation deaths

NEW DELHI, AUG. 20. Members in the Rajya Sabha today voiced concern over the starvation deaths in several parts of the country despite the overflowing granaries and demanded measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Raising the matter through special mention, Ms. Bimba Raikar (Congress) regretted that starvation deaths were happening in the country when its godowns were full of foodgrains.

She urged the Government to evolve a system to ensure that a minimum stock of foodgrains was kept in States' godowns to meet any emergency.

Mr. K. Rama Mohana Rao (TDP) said the downgrading of India's sovereign rating by international credit agencies was a clear warning and the Government should ponder over the issue with all seriousness.

Mr. Rajeev Shukla (Independent), said it was a shame that such incidents took place in Kashipur and Nandurbar in Maharashtra. There were also incidents of diversion of food grains meant for the poor tribals.

The offtake by the States was also low compared to the allocations even after the Prime Minister declared that democracy and hunger could not go together.

Mr. R. S. Gawai (RPI), said the drought situation in Maharashtra was precarious and was hurting both kharif and rabi crops.

Even the animal fodder had become a problem, he added.

- PTI, UNI

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