Reports from multiple villages in Nadia district, West Bengal, have revealed alarming instances of malnutrition. Following an internal investigation, the Krishnanagar district police have launched a special initiative aimed at addressing the issue. A pilot project has begun in five villages under the Tehatta subdivision namely Sardarpara (Raninagar), GoyasMalpara, Pipulkhola, Chakmaroa, and Jamsherpur-Sardarpara, although the ruling party has contested the police’s assessment, dismissing what they call the “malnutrition narrative.”
Krishnanagar police have started organising medical camps to identify affected individuals. They are also distributing nutritious food and essential medicines free of cost. They said the move was driven solely by humanitarian concerns after several villagers were found struggling with hunger and malnutrition.
Government doctors, with support from special health camps, have identified around 150 villagers suffering from malnutrition. Police have taken responsibility for their care and plan to extend the project to more villages, with a special focus on pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly. Families from economically weaker backgrounds will receive health cards with nutritional guidelines, and food supplies will be delivered directly to their homes. The police have also committed to fully supporting at least one extremely poor resident in each village.