📰 ‘Ladki Bahin’ Spending Under Scrutiny as Malnutrition Deaths Persist in Melghat; Bombay HC Seeks जवाब

The Bombay High Court has pulled up the Maharashtra government over continued malnutrition-related deaths in the tribal region of Melghat, questioning the effectiveness of welfare spending under schemes like Ladki Bahin.

⚖️ Court Questions State’s Priorities

During the hearing, the High Court expressed concern that despite crores being spent on welfare schemes, basic issues like malnutrition among tribal children remain unresolved.

The bench asked the State government to explain:

• Why malnutrition deaths are still occurring

• What concrete steps have been taken on the ground

• Whether funds are being effectively utilized

📉 ‘Too Little Done Since 2007’

The court noted that it has been issuing directions on the issue since 2007, yet the State has done “too little” to address the crisis.

It observed that despite repeated judicial interventions, authorities have failed to prevent deaths caused by malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable tribal areas like Melghat.

🌾 Ground Reality in Melghat

Melghat, located in Maharashtra, has long struggled with:

• Child malnutrition

• Limited healthcare access

• Poor infrastructure and connectivity

Activists argue that systemic issues such as poverty, lack of nutrition awareness, and inadequate public health services continue to plague the region.

💰 Debate Over Welfare Schemes

The court’s remarks have brought attention to the State’s spending priorities, especially on schemes like Ladki Bahin, which involve significant financial outlays.

While such schemes aim at social welfare, the court indicated that core issues like nutrition and healthcare require urgent and focused intervention.

🏛️ State Asked to Respond

The High Court has directed the State government to submit a detailed response outlining:

• Measures taken to combat malnutrition

• Implementation status of earlier court orders

• Future action plans to prevent further deaths