2 Tribal Deaths in Odisha Spark Outrage Over MGNREGA Shortage and Food Scarcity

Two tribal women in Kandhamal district, Odisha, died after consuming mango kernels due to severe food scarcity caused by a lack of work under the MGNREGA scheme. Villagers, struggling with insufficient rice supplies and no employment for months, were forced to rely on unsafe food sources. The state government has now instructed officials to expedite MGNREGA work in the area.

CONTENTS:

• Patnaik criticizes Odisha government’s food security.
• Mango kernel gruel poisoning kills two.
• Food scarcity, MGNREGA shortage, deaths.

2 Tribal Deaths in Odisha Spark Outrage Over MGNREGA Shortage and Food Scarcity

Patnaik criticizes Odisha government’s food security

2 Tribal Deaths in Odisha Spark Outrage Over MGNREGA  BJD President and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently criticized the BJP-led state government over the tragic deaths of two tribal women who reportedly died after consuming mango kernels. Patnaik expressed deep sorrow at this development, highlighting the irony that Odisha was previously recognized as the top state for implementing the National Food Security Act (NFSA) two years ago.

In a post on social media platform X, Patnaik described it as “heartbreaking” that such incidents still occur, particularly in a state previously lauded for its food security efforts. Reflecting on his tenure, he recalled how Odisha had set a standard for ensuring food access for all citizens, including through the State Food Security Scheme aimed at assisting those in need.

Patnaik, joined by former food supplies minister Atanu S Nayak, questioned the government’s approach and called for immediate action to provide food to those in need, rather than issuing “unfortunate” statements. Nayak pointed out that in 2022, Odisha had topped the NFSA rankings nationally, with praise from the UN’s World Food Programme for its efforts in combating food insecurity.

At least six women from Mandipanaka village in Kandhamal district were hospitalized on November 2 after consuming mango kernel. Three of them have since been discharged, while one remains under observation at MKCG Medical College and Hospital as her liver function stabilizes.

Mango kernel gruel poisoning kills two

2 Tribal Deaths in Odisha Spark Outrage Over MGNREGA Three out of six women from Mandipanaka village in Kandhamal district, who fell ill after allegedly consuming mango kernel gruel, were discharged from MKCG Medical College and Hospital on Thursday evening after receiving treatment. Laboratory tests revealed that the mango kernel powder was unsafe for consumption, and one of the village’s water sources was found to be contaminated.

According to Suchitra Dash, the hospital’s superintendent, three women have fully recovered and were discharged, while one remains under observation. This woman will be discharged once her liver function stabilizes. The six women were initially admitted to the hospital on November 2 after being referred from Bramhanigaon hospital. Two women with liver issues were transferred to the hepatology department at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, while the other four remained at MKCG.

The condition of the two women at SCB is reported to be stable. Doctors indicated that while both suffered from multi-organ failure, they are gradually improving. The women had consumed mango kernel gruel along with pakhala on October 30, and hours later, they began experiencing vomiting and abdominal pain. They were initially treated at Bramhanigaon hospital before being transferred to MKCG. Unfortunately, one woman passed away at Mohana hospital, and another died while being transported to MKCG on November 1.

Food scarcity, MGNREGA shortage, deaths

2 Tribal Deaths in Odisha Spark Outrage Over MGNREGA A shortage of work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has severely impacted the tribals of Kandhamal district, leading to tragic deaths from consuming mango kernels due to food scarcity. Krushna Uthansingh, a 68-year-old tribal from Mandipanka village, shared how the lack of work has forced families to resort to eating mango kernels when their rice supplies ran out. This comes after the 5kg of rice per person per month under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) failed to reach them on time.

The deaths of two women in the village after consuming mango kernels have raised alarm among locals. They had turned to mango kernels when their food stocks dwindled. The state government, facing criticism over the situation, has instructed officials to expedite the provision of work under MGNREGA.

Krushna, whose family struggles due to the lack of work, explained how his daughter, suffering from sickle cell anemia, had to be brought back home after her husband abandoned her because of food shortages and domestic disputes. With no MGNREGA employment opportunities for the past six months, he and other villagers have been unable to meet their basic needs. Krushna relies on a meager pension of ₹1,000, which he finds insufficient to support his family.

Kumbar Majhi, another villager, shared that her daughter Runi Majhi died after eating mango kernels. She, along with other villagers, raised the issue of insufficient work and food during a visit by the revenue divisional commissioner (RDC), who instructed the administration to begin roadwork under MGNREGA in the village.

Anil Majhi, whose wife also died after consuming mango kernels, said he could not provide for his family due to the lack of MGNREGA work. He noted that the rice was only delivered after the deaths occurred. The new Block Development Officer, Pritiranjan Rath, stated that he joined the block recently and has initiated MGNREGA work, vowing to visit the village weekly to ensure improvements. However, locals claimed that work under the scheme only began three days ago.