The starvation deaths and malnutrition affecting thousands of villagers residing on the banks of the Padma River in Jalangi, Murshidabad has for the first time been accepted by the local administration. The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) welcomes the admission by Superintendent of Police, Murshidabad, Mr Neeraj Kumar Singh, that at least 300 of the villagers he interviewed from Dayarampur, Porashpur and Toltoli were malnourished and without food. He additionally concluded that ten deaths previously certified as non hunger related deaths must be recognized as deaths due to starvation. These comments were made in a report received last week by several senior government officials, including the Home Secretary and Chief Minister of West Bengal and constitute a significant step towards addressing the region’s food security problems, particularly after over ten years of consistent denial by state authorities that hunger is even a concern in the area. By following up on these comments, a culture of accountability can be created.
The AHRC has reported numerous hunger and starvation cases in West Bengal and other parts of India over the past year, many having arisen from state neglect and inaction. In September 2005, the names of over 500 villagers were approved and posted in public distribution shops throughout Jalangi, promising food rations to those in need. Since then however, a further three villagers have starved to death after receiving no food from the shop dealers, many of whom sell food rations on the black market. To date, the police have not pressed criminal charges against these ration dealers, or others who have warned the villagers to remain silent about their grievances. Moreover, none of the persons who have lost their livelihoods from the river erosion have been placed under Murshidabad’s existing food for work programme.
The hunger present in Howrah, West Bengal where families evicted from their homes in Bellilious Park now struggle to provide for their livelihoods, speaks to sheer government neglect as children and their parents continue to starve. Despite several submissions and organized protests appealing for government help, and even guarantees by some officials that aid is on the way, assistance is yet to be provided to these families.
Government neglect and denial has been a long tradition in India, particularly concerning the situation of marginalized and vulnerable groups. While Superintendent Singhs report may only admit to a small part of the hunger and starvation problems in Murshidabad, it is an important and commendable first step in addressing the victims concerns. These concerns include a working public distribution system and food for work programme, quality medical facilities, particularly for those suffering from night blindness and other hunger related illnesses, and educational centers for children. The AHRC hopes that the Superintendent’s comments will lead the authorities responsible for providing food and health assistance–at the local and state levels– to take immediate action.
Civil society in West Bengal can also make use of the admission of hunger in urging the local administration to act in accordance with Indias constitution to protect, respect and fulfill the right to food. In this way, West Bengal, as well as the rest of the country, can create a culture of accountability for hunger and starvation deaths, as opposed to the one of denial that has existed until today.
