MHRC issue notices over death of infant and pregnant women in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 20, 2020

The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) on Tuesday issued notices to the health & family welfare and social welfare departments seeking detailed reports over the death of 877 newborn infants and 61 pregnant women in the state.

Hearing a petition filed by a social activist, Agnes Kharshiing, the MHRC has directed the Commissioner and Secretary, Department of Health and Services and Additional Chief Secretary of Social Welfare department to answer the allegations made by the petitioner.

“…to submit a detailed report on the matter so as to reach the state commission within 30 days from the date of receipt of the notice for further necessary orders,” the Commission said in its order.

The commission also expressed deep concern with the matter which raises serious issues of violation of human rights as Article 21 of the Constitution mandates for protection of life and personal liberty to every citizen and right to life and and health is a fundamental rights and it is paramount duty of the state to protect and safeguard such rights of any individual.

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya State Commission for Women and the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights were also impleaded as opposite party respondents in the case.