Cuttack, Jan 12: Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday came down heavily on the Odisha government over the alleged deteriorating healthcare facilities and law & order situation in the State.

Pradhan voiced his concerns while addressing the Yuva Sankalap Samabesh at Mahanga in Cuttack district.

Without taking the name of Odisha's former Law Minister Pratap Jena, Union Minister Pradhan said the prime accused in the Mahanga double murder case is still roaming free.

Pradhan also alleged that half a dozen Ministers of the State government have charges of serious criminal cases against them. There is complete lawlessness in the state and the situation is turning from bad to worse day by day, he added.

The Union Minister also highlighted the "sorry state" of healthcare facilities in the State.

Citing the data of National Family Health Survey (NFHS), Pradhan said around 19% of newborns in the State are born with low birth weight while 31% of children are malnourished at birth.

Around 64% of children and 61% of pregnant women are suffering from anemia. As many as 16 districts have malnourishment rates below the national average and Nabarangpur topped on the list, Pradhan pointed out.

"We have to wake the State government as the concerned authorities are in a deep slumber," Pradhan said.

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