Rights panel to probe Dalit discrimination in Madhya Pradesh

New Delhi, May 6 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Wednesday said it will probe the alleged discrimination against Dalit children and pregnant women in Madhya Pradesh.

Taking cognisance of media reports about the alleged discrimination, the NHRC also issued a notice to the state government and deputed a probe team.

“The commission has issued a notice to the chief secretary of the Madhya Pradesh government and has deputed a team to go to the four districts of the state where incidents of discrimination against Dalit children and pregnant women by health workers were reported in the media,” an NHRC official said.

It has been reported that in Jhabua, Sheopur, Katni and Ujjain districts, children belonging to the Dalit community were being discriminated against. It is also alleged that health workers avoid Dalit hamlets in these areas and examine pregnant women without touching them.

“The commission, therefore, said that if true, these incidents raise serious issue of violation of human rights,” the official added.

The NHRC-appointed team will conduct a spot inquiry into the matter and submit its report within four weeks.