Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today spoke on the mid-day meal tragedy and the politics that has surrounded it. Here are the highlights from Mr Kumar's media address:
- The different aspects of the horrible mid-day meal tragedy have been discussed widely, and rightly so.
- We acted immediately on getting the information of the tragedy.
- That I didn't visit the site of the tragedy was widely criticised. However, I know I acted immediately.
- I have not recovered from my leg injury and it is known to all in Patna. Which is why I was not able to visit Chhapra.
- We decided to get the children to the Patna Medical College Hospital. But a few of those children died on their journey from Chhapra.
- It was a matter involving poisoning, and we wanted to be sure of the magnitude of the dangers to those children.
- It is a one-of-a-kind tragedy to have occurred.
- The mid-day meal is a national scheme, and does not belong to Bihar only. We will do everything we can in consultation with the Central government.
- We have to be more careful with the food scheme. We have to run it since it's a national scheme.
- The mid-day meal scheme started in Tamil Nadu. It's a social movement with a noble intention of making sure the children studying get proper nutrition.
- I am willing to work with the Central government to make this scheme better. There are various challenges.
- The investigation is on. The headmistress of the school is in police custody. We will probe the incident from all possible angles.
- Despite the children flagging the scheme in their school, they were reportedly forced to eat their meals that day. We are investigating the matter.
- The forensic report suggests a very high concentration of the insecticide. That needs to be properly probed by high-level Special Investigation Team appointed by the Director General of Police, Bihar.
- Conspiracy angles are also being investigated. The probe team was not allowed to enter the village. The vehicles were vandalised.
- The affected families have nothing to do with the conspiracy.
- One thing that amazes me is that while the children were being brought to hospital, certain political parties had called for bandh in Bihar. The first thing they should have worried about is helping the children and their families.
- I was more concerned with making sure all the necessary arrangements were done. However, I was accused of being silent on the issue. I don't have to clarify my illness to anybody. I don't stoop to such levels in politics.
- I am aware of my responsibilities. We have decided to make sure Gandaman village gets all civic amenities like water and electricity.
- We will take our concept of 'your government at your door' to the village. We can't get the children back but we will do all we can for the village.
- I don't want to disrupt the investigation into the tragedy by saying anything.
- Media reports on the incident have been taken into account for the probe.
- As long as Bihar's people are with us, I am not affected by any conspiracy to derail me from my work. It's the people who decide in a democracy.
- My comments with the Janata Dal-United workers (on the BJP-RJD conspiracy) were made in a political context. Today I am only speaking about the tragedy and not making a political statement.
- There was nothing wrong with our response time. Only when some children got critical did we decide to move them to Patna. Doctors in Chhapra did their best.
- Healthcare in Bihar has improved. We already have plans to take the next step.
- There is difference between what Gandaman village thinks and what the world outside does. The truth will come out.
- The mid-day meal scheme needs more manpower and funds.
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