Children’s health jeopardized in the Drug-Free India campaign program; expired chips distributed; Human Rights Commission issues notice to District Social Welfare Officer
Gross negligence was observed in the Drug-Free India campaign program organized by the Social Welfare Department at the Rishikul campus in Haridwar. Expired packets of chips were distributed to the school children present at the program.
In the above matter, a public interest litigation was filed with the Human Rights Commission of Uttarakhand, stating that “gross negligence was committed in the Drug-Free India campaign program organized by the Social Welfare Department at the Rishikul campus in Haridwar, where expired packets of chips were distributed to the children.”
“The distribution of expired packets of chips to the school children present at the program caused an uproar. The program was organized to mark the completion of five years of the campaign, and children from various schools were invited. After the program ended, when snacks were distributed to the children, the packets of chips were found to be expired. This was not the case with just a few packets, but almost all the children present at the program received expired packets of chips. This led to a huge commotion. Around 500 children were present at the program.”
“The subject of the complaint is very serious and clearly related to the loss of life and property of the general public; therefore, in the public interest and in the interest of justice, please call for a report and take immediate action.”
Hearing the complaint, Human Rights Commission member (IPS) Ram Singh Meena issued a notice to the District Social Welfare Officer, Haridwar, and sought a report.
*Order*
A complaint has been filed by the complainant Bhupendra Kumar Lakshmi regarding the gross negligence committed by the Social Welfare Department in the Drug-Free India campaign program organized at the Rishikul campus in Haridwar, and the distribution of expired packets of chips to the children at the program.
A copy of the complaint should be sent to the District Social Welfare Officer, Haridwar, so that they may submit their report to the Commission in this regard.
This incident raises serious questions about the health of children and transparency in government programs. An investigation into the matter is expected to lead to action against those responsible.
