The Minister requested the Commission to go into the details and investigate the matter so that "a true picture was brought out." The Commission considered the matter on 4 December 1996 and, in view of the seriousness of the matter, decided to depute a team of officers consisting of the Secretary-General and Director General (Investigation) to visit the drought affected areas for the collection of facts. In the meanwhile, a general memorandum signed by seven Members of the State Legislative Assembly was received in the Commission in which fourteen cases of alleged starvation deaths were listed. Pursuant to the directions of the Commission, the Secretary-General and Director General (Investigation) visited the districts of Naupada, Kala handi and Bolangir and conducted enquiries on the spot in the presence of the Special Relief Commissioner, Principal Secretary (Revenue), Special ~ Q c r e t a r(Home), ~ Joint Secretary and Collectors of the Districts concerned. In addition, they had interaction with public leaders, mediapersons, villagers and members of the families which reportedly faced starvation deaths. Some of the Legislative Assembly Members accompanied the team during their visit to the villages. The team of officers submitted its report to the Commission on this subject and also gave an assessment on the efficacy of relief measures undertaken by the State Government. The report also highlighted some of the issues which needed immediate and sustained attention. The report of the team of the Officers is under the consideration of the Commission which is also studying the response of the State Government to that report.