Ram Vilas Paswan orders probe into starvation death

Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan has ordered a probe into the alleged starvation death of a girl in Simdega district of Jharkhand.

An 11-year-old girl allegedly died of starvation on 28 September after her mother was unable to feed her.

Speaking to ANI, Paswan said "I have asked my secretary to look into the matter and send a team. We are expecting a report from the state government by the evening."

Paswan also added that people in Jharkhand are getting ration even without an Aadhar Card.

"We want the Aadhar to be mandatory as it will reduce cases of fraud. However, it is still not compulsory. People with ration cards are still getting ration," Paswan said.

Meanwhile, Simdega Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said they had provided Antodaya card to the girls' family while assuring action in case of any lapses.

"The family of the girl was really poor.We have provided them 'Antodaya card'. If there are any lapses then we will take action," he told ANI.

Earlier, Jharkhand Food and Supply Minister Saryu Rai had said, "I have clearly instructed, along with the copy of Supreme Court's order, that those who do not have the Aadhaar card, they will also get rations. Those who do not have the Aadhaar card, they will be given food supplies after identification."

"Went to get rice, but I was told that no ration will be given to me. My daughter died saying 'Bhat-bhat' (rice)," said the girl's mother, Koyli Devi. 

-ANI