The health problems confronted by the tribespeople of Attappady cannot be solved in a day, as it involves attending to the nutritional needs of the population there, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said.
The government was concerned about the prevailing situation and steps were being taken to address the nutritional needs of the tribal women, Mr. Chandy said on Monday, while speaking to media on the sidelines of a book release function here.
He also denied making the statement suggesting that people in Attappady refused to take food and hence faced health issues. “I feel pity for those who created a controversy,” he added.
Mr. Chandy said people of the tribal hamlet had complained to him during his visit to the place that they did not like the rice being supplied and instead preferred ragi. Their suggestion was well taken and the Food Corporation of India was immediately contacted for the supply of ragi. A team of officials were camping there to address the concerns of the tribal population and take appropriate steps, the Chief Minister said. “Their problems cannot be solved in a day. It is a time-consuming process,” he added.
Earlier speaking at the book release function, he said an independent media was essential for democracy to thrive and there should not be any hurdle in the functioning of the media. Criticism was vital and one should accept suggestions, he said.
Indirectly referring to the recent controversies that surfaced in the State’s political sphere, he said allegations were levelled everyday only to be refuted by the persons against whom the charges were being made.
This had created confusion in the minds of people, who had all the right to know the truth, he said.