Opposition parties today cornered the Uttar Pradesh government in the Legislative Council over warm clothes not being distributed to the poor and children in government schools, even though half of December was over.
The issue was raised during Zero Hour by leader of the Opposition Ahmed Hasan and members of the BSP, who staged a walkout over the issue.
According to Hasan, every year, blankets were distributed to the poor and bonfires lit to combat the cold, especially in eastern UP.
"But, today is December 21, (still) there is no information of blanket distribution or bonfire from any district of the state," the Samajwadi Party leader said.
Dinesh Sharma, UP deputy chief minister and leader of the House, countered the allegations by saying the time of blanket distribution and bonfires is decided according to the "standards" of the meteorological department.
Instructions are issued to immediately start distribution of blankets and light bonfires as soon as the chill intensifies, the deputy CM said.
"Strict action will be taken against officials if any laxity is found on their part in this regard," Sharma added.
Sharing Hasan's concerns, Sunil Kumar Chittod of the BSP raised the issue of non-distribution of sweaters, socks and shoes to children going to government schools.
"The BJP government had promised that the children going to government schools in the state will be given sweaters, socks and shoes. Provision (for this) was made in the state's budget as well," he said.
The BSP leader said he feared that the children will not be able to provide these items by this academic session, as no steps appeared to have been taken yet.
Sharma argued that the "process is on" to purchase sweaters for distribution among the school children.
However, dissatisfied with the reply, BSP members walked out in protest.
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