Question : PARTICIPANTS IN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned `Kids go hungry, thirsty for greater glory of I-Day` appearing in the `Hindustan Times,` New Delhi, dated August 16, 2001;

(b) if so, the details of the matter reported therein and the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(c) the steps/measures proposed to be taken to ensure good quality refreshments and adequate potable water to the school children participating in Independence Day Celebrations at Red Fort in future?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) & (c): The Government of Delhi has inquired into the matter. Inquiries have revealed that adequate/quality refreshment, etc. could not be made available to the children in view of the very tight security arrangements that were made. The Government of Delhi on the basis of the inquiry report has shifted some of the officers deployed for this function and is also proposing to impose penalty on contractors for the lapses, if any, on their part. Other corrective measures have also been taken to avoid recurrence of such incidents.