Malnutrition: Govt promises action against erring officials

The State government on Thursday told the Karnataka High Court that it would initiate strict action against government officials and private parties indulged in irregularities in the supply of materials for the midday meal programme, leading to malnutrition among children.

The government made the submission before the Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice B V Nagarathna during the hearing of a related suo motu case registered by the court.

Officials involved

The Bench observed that there were a large number of government officials and private agencies involved in supplying substandard food materials for the midday meal programme.
What action has the government initiated against the culprits, the court sought to know.

Responding to the query from the Bench, State Additional Advocate General K M Nataraj said that the government had considered the issue of malnutrition and related irregularities as a serious matter and those responsible would be punished.

Health camps would be conducted in different parts of the State to help children and mothers suffering from malnutrition, Nataraj told the court.

The condition of malnourished children will be checked at these camps and necessary medical and nutritional aid will be provided to them, he said. The court adjourned the case for further hearing.