NHRC responds to reports of starvation

The National Human Rights Commission of India has responded to media reports that three girls had died of starvation and around 30 families in the same building of East Delhi had been denied ration cards.

The Commission issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Delhi to submit a report on the matter within four weeks, setting out the action taken by the relevant department after the deaths of the girls and the status of applications for the issuance of ration cards

In a statement, the Commission "observed that the contents of the news report are quite disturbing [and] that even after the death of three young girls due to starvation seemingly the authorities in the Government of NCT of Delhi have not woken up".

"Apparently, the innocent people have become victims of the State's apathy and inhuman approach. This is a serious case of violation of Right to Food of the poor people," the statement added.

"Reportedly, the Deputy Chief Minister of the Government of NCT of Delhi, accompanied by the officers from the Department of Food and Supplies had visited the building on 26th July, 2018, after the death of three minors due to starvations.

"It was assured that all the residents would be given ration cards but, till date, nothing has happened."

Date: 8 April 2019

Source: National Human Rights Commission of India