Mumbai: The state government on Thursday accepted on the floor of the House that 1,077 students from tribal ashram schools had died from 2001-02 to 2015-16 owing to various reasons including malnutrition and snake bites.
Tribal minister Vishnu Savara informed in a written reply to the question put forth by opposition leader Dhananjay Munde, and also detailed measures being taken by the government to improve the situation. Mr Savara in his reply wrote, “It has come to notice. NGO Samarthan’s memorandum on the same issue has also been received. The government had formed a committee under Dr Subhash Salunkhe. Now, we are implementing the committee’s suggestions in all ashram schools.”
NCP MLC Sunil Tatkare raised the issue of corruption in the tribal department. “Procurement of various apparatus by the department is dubious. Government is supporting corruption indirectly. It has formed the M.G. Gaikwad committee. But now, the committee’s suggestions are being overlooked,” alleged Mr Tatkare. On his part, Mr Savara said, “Less human resources is a concern for our department. Still, we are trying to form a new committee to study and suggest action.”
Opposition members were not convinced. Munde levelled serious charges against the tribal department questioning, “The same contractor who provided duplicate material last year has given tenders this year as well. This is scandalous. Who is supporting these contractors?”
Mr Savara was unable to answer. Looking at the aggressive stand of Opposition members, the council chairman reserved the question for a detailed answer later.
Salunkhe panel suggestions
- Department should form a committee at the district level to look after procurement and supply to ashram schools.
- Medical social analysis committee should be formed to study problems related to tribal students.
- Another committee should be formed at the district level to study student deaths and this committee must meet every three months.
- Strict implementation of ban on drugs.
