MP LoP Singhar seeks PM Modi's intervention over deaths of tribal children in Balaghat

Bhopal, Sep 5 (AHN) Madhya Pradesh Leader of Opposition (LoP) Umang Singhar on Saturday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention into the reported deaths of Baiga tribal children in Balaghat district and demanded a high-level medical inquiry into the matter.

Singhar said in his letter that information about the deaths of around 30 Baiga children in the affected villages had been received and alleged that malaria, measles and other infections, coupled with malnutrition, contaminated drinking water and inadequate healthcare facilities, were posing a serious threat to the tribal population.

"The continuing deaths of Baiga tribal children in Balaghat are extremely painful and alarming. Deaths from treatable diseases raise serious questions about the implementation of welfare schemes on the ground," the LoP said in the letter.

The issue came to light after a number of children in Baiga-dominated villages of Birsa block fell ill in recent months.

The health department launched an intensified screening and surveillance drive in the affected areas.

According to the state government's latest field assessment, 3,811 people were screened during door-to-door surveys.

A total of 798 patients were identified, including 320 malaria cases, 155 cases of diarrhoea, 146 cases of fever with rashes and 177 cases of skin diseases. Of these, 569 patients were treated at home and 229 were hospitalised.

The department reported that 201 patients had recovered and 28 were still undergoing treatment.

The reported number of deaths has, however, been a matter of dispute.

While Congress leaders have cited a higher toll, authorities have maintained a lower officially confirmed number and continued investigations into the causes of the illnesses and deaths.

The state government has deployed medical teams in the affected villages and intensified testing, treatment and surveillance.

In his letter to PM Modi, LoP Singhar also said that the Baiga community is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) and said the deaths raised questions about the implementation of the Centre's PM-JANMAN programme, which seeks to improve healthcare, nutrition, drinking water and basic infrastructure for such communities.

"The Madhya Pradesh government should be directed to take time-bound and effective action so that the lives of Baiga children can be saved and such tragic incidents are not repeated," he said.

Umang Singhar, who also belongs to the tribal community, urged Prime Minister Modi to send specialist medical teams to the affected areas, order a comprehensive medical investigation, and fix administrative accountability in the matter.