A unique initiative by the Krishnanagar police in Nadia district to tackle malnutrition has sparked both praise and controversy. While the police claim their “pilot project” aims to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in several villages under the Tehatta sub-division, the district administration and ruling party representatives have questioned the very premise that such a problem exists in the area.
According to police sources, several residents in rural Nadia are suffering from malnutrition — a finding made during recent investigations and health camps. Acting on this, the Krishnanagar police have identified five villages across five police stations and launched a programme to provide free nutritious food and medicines to those affected.
The pilot project, which began earlier this month, covers Sardarpara in Raninagar (Palashipara PS), Goas Malpara (Karimpur PS), Pipulkhola (Thanarpara PS), Chakmaroa (Murutia PS), and Jamsherpur-Sardarpara (Hogolberia PS). So far, government doctors have identified around 150 villagers suffering from malnutrition during special health camps.
Police officials said that under this project, daily essentials, balanced meals and medicines are being delivered directly to the homes of those in need. Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and financially backward families are receiving special attention. Selected families are also being issued “health cards” listing nutritional guidelines and food details. In addition, the police plan to take full responsibility for the maintenance of at least one needy person in every selected village.
Krishnanagar Superintendent of Police Amarnath K said the initiative was entirely humanitarian in nature. “There are many people in the villages who can no longer work and are malnourished or starving. They are being identified and given cards by the local police stations. Their physical examination and nutritious food supply are being managed through the police. We are especially targeting tribal-dominated villages where people are often afraid to approach the police,” he explained.
However, the project has drawn mixed reactions from government officials and ruling party leaders. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Karimpur, Bimalendu Singh Roy, dismissed the police’s “malnutrition theory,” asserting that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s government has ensured that “no one in Bengal goes hungry.”
“Mamata Banerjee’s government has ensured food, clothing and shelter for every citizen. There is no hunger in this state. I cannot say who is informing the police or on what basis they are acting,” he said.
Rahmatpur Gram Panchayat Pradhan Shampa Biswas echoed similar sentiments, claiming that panchayats already provide adequate assistance to villagers. “We are constantly in touch with the people and sufficient aid reaches them regularly. No one goes hungry here,” she said.
Despite these assertions, villagers tell a different story. Many say the existing state benefits — including old-age pensions and the ‘Khadyasathi’ ration scheme — are insufficient to meet their basic needs.
Narayan Sardar, a resident of Jamsherpur-Sardarpara, said, “I get ₹1,000 as old-age allowance and five kilograms of rice a month. But can anyone survive a whole month on that?”
Others, though cautious, welcome the police initiative. Lakshmirani from Goas Malpara said, “Many people make promises. Now the police are trying something new. Let’s see how long it lasts.”
Meanwhile, Nadia District Magistrate Anish Dasgupta distanced the administration from the police’s findings. “I have just taken charge of the district and have not received any reports of hunger or malnutrition so far. The police will be able to explain what projects they are running and how,” he said.
Experts note that malnutrition often stems from a combination of factors — poor maternal health, lack of balanced diets, poverty, ignorance and superstition — issues that cannot be solved by welfare schemes alone.
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