Spokesperson:Dr. Vikrant Bhuria: He targeted the BJP governments in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra over the deaths of 22 tribal children due to malnutrition and diseases in Balaghat and the deaths of three tribal girls after snake bites at a hostel in Gadchiroli, demanding impartial probe and action against officials responsible.

Dr Bhuria demanded the constitution of special committees for an immediate and impartial investigation into both incidents and sought direct action against officials found responsible. He also called for an immediate fire and infrastructure safety audit of all tribal hostels, the inclusion of protein-rich food in the nutritional regimen for tribal children, and the disposal of pending claims under the Forest Rights Act to ensure land rights and employment for tribal communities.

Dr Bhuria also criticised the meagre assistance of only Rs. 20,000 provided to affected families, remarking caustically, “Today, the value of a tribal child’s life in the country is merely Rs. 20,000.” He said that the fault lay with a system in which thousands of crores of rupees are allocated in the name of tribal development, yet it remains unclear where the money actually goes. He added that the death of 22 children due to malnutrition is deeply tragic, especially given that the country’s President and the Governor of Madhya Pradesh are themselves from tribal communities.

He further said that it was deeply concerning that the Department of Women and Child Development had admitted that there was no separate budget provision for malnutrition eradication schemes in tribal blocks and that the programme was being left largely dependent on Central government funding.

The Congress leader reiterated that both incidents required independent investigation and accountability, along with structural reforms in tribal welfare, nutrition, healthcare and hostel safety. Monday, August 24, 2026