Congress seeks probe into deaths of tribal children in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra
The Congress party is demanding a special investigation into the deaths of tribal children in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, citing malnutrition and poor hostel conditions. They have called for a safety audit and accountability for officials responsible for the lapses.
Why it matters
The incident raises critical questions about the efficacy of government welfare schemes and the safety of vulnerable tribal populations in state-run facilities.
The Congress on Monday (August 24, 2026) sought a special committee to probe the deaths of tribal children allegedly due to malnutrition in Madhya Pradesh and of tribal girls following snakebite in Maharashtra and demanded action against officials found responsible.
Adivasi Congress chief Vikrant Bhuria also called for a safety audit of tribal hostels, citing alleged lapses in facilities in the two States.
Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Bhuria claimed that 22 children from the Baiga tribal community had died of malnutrition and related diseases in the Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh.
He alleged that a nutritional meal delivered to households had been discontinued for six months and that the nearest primary health centre was 20 km away. Vaccination coverage in the area was also below 80%, he claimed.
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