Bhubaneswar: Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Wednesday clarified in the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday that food poisoning, not starvation, led to the deaths of three women in Mandipanka village, Kandhamal district. The women had consumed stale gruel made from mango kernels, which proved fatal.
Replying to the debate on the adjournment motion moved by the Opposition BJD over Kandhamal tragedy, Minister Patra told the Assembly that an investigation confirmed the affected families had adequate food supplies at the time of the incident. He emphasized that even beneficiaries without Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation were provided with necessary rations. “Every effort was made to ensure no one went without food,” he stated.
Post-mortem reports conclusively ruled out starvation as the cause of death, Minister Patra added. Financial assistance has been extended to the bereaved families, and the government is taking steps to prevent similar occurrences.
To improve ration accessibility in remote areas, the Minister announced plans to distribute rice 45 days in advance and to establish more ration centers. Additionally, rations covering one to two months will be provided to reduce logistical challenges and enhance accessibility in remote regions.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that supply chain systems better cater to vulnerable populations.
