Annual Report - National Human Rights Commission

Food Security
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the incidents from the State of Andhra Pradesh. The news reports revealed that since 1998 over
1000 farmers have resorted to suicides due to crop failure and debt burden. The issue of mass
suicides in Andhra Pradesh was also raised in a petition by the then Leader of the Opposition.
The Commission directed the Special Rapporteur to conduct investigations regarding the incidents
of suicide which were confirmed by the Rapporteur. The Commission took cognizance and the
case was registered as Case No. 193/1/2004-2005 and linked with earlier Case No. 985/1/2003-
2004 and the Report of the Special Rapporteur was forwarded to the Chief Secretary of Andhra
Pradesh for his response. While the two cases were receiving the attention of the Commission, a
newspaper report relating to starvation death of an eight year old in Medak District appeared in
a local daily. The Commission took suo-motu cognizance and directed issue of notice to the
Chief Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Government for his response.
6.11 The Commission has received Action Taken Report from the various concerned authorities
in respect of all the cases of suicide or starvation death taken-up for action. In respect of Smt.
Dharawath Kamili of Lilathanda’s death (Case No. 985/1/2003-2004), the authorities expressed
doubts about her death due to starvation. However, after her death her family was issued a ration
card and 10 kgs of rice per month and 50 kgs of rice was issued to the family immediately. In
addition to this, the family was granted a sum of Rs. 5,000/- under the National Family Benefit
Scheme and action was initiated to admit the daughter of the deceased to the Social Welfare
Hostel. In respect of the starvation death of Shri Mamidi Ambadas of Jogaiahpalli in Thimmapur
Mandai, Karimnagar District (Case No. 193/1/2004-2005), the District Magistrate of Karimnagar
District reported the State Government taking the following relief measures :-
1. Allotment of house site and sanction of a house under IAY Scheme with estimated cost of
Rs. 25,000/- to Smt. Mamidi, w/o the victim.
2. Grant of Rs. 25,000/- to Smt. Mamidi for purchase of two milk animals for livelihood.
3. Investment of Rs. 25,000/- in favour of two minor children in post office under NSS.
4. Admission of elder girl in the Social Welfare Hostel so that her future education and food
needs are taken care of.
In respect of starvation death of an eight year old in Medak District (Case No. 302/1/2004-
2005), the Commission was informed by the Commissioner for Disaster Management
and Ex-officio Secretary to Government about the following relief provided to the mother
of the victim:-
(a)
(b)
An amount of Rs. 5000/- was sanctioned under the National Family Benefit Fund
Widow Pension has been sanctioned at the rate of Rs. 50/- per month. Furthermore,
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