Sanitary pads meant for schoolgirls burnt in Kalaburagi, public anger mounts
Kalaburagi: Sanitary pads meant to be distributed free of cost to adolescent girls under the Karnataka government's 'Shuchi Scheme' were found burnt at the Farhatabad Primary Health Centre on the outskirts of Kalaburagi city.
The sanitary pads, worth several lakhs of rupees, were reportedly discovered during the demolition of an old building on the premises. Thousands of unused pads, which were intended for eligible high school and college-going girls, were allegedly stored in a godown without distribution. Instead of distributing them, health department officials allegedly set them ablaze, triggering widespread public outrage.
Local residents and community leaders have strongly condemned the act and demanded action against the officials responsible. They questioned why such a crucial health resource was hoarded and ultimately destroyed instead of being provided to the intended beneficiaries.
Videos showing piles of sanitary pads burning have gone viral on social media, intensifying the backlash and leading to demands for accountability.
In response, Dr. Sharanabasappa Kyatnal, District Health and Family Welfare Officer, has issued a notice to the RCH district official, the taluk health officer, and the medical officer of the health centre. The notice calls for a detailed investigation and submission of a report within 24 hours.
“A thorough inquiry has been ordered into the incident of burning sanitary pads at Farhatabad PHC. A clear explanation is expected within 24 hours,” said Dr. Kyatanal.
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
