The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India today concluded its two-day Odisha Open Hearing and Camp sitting in Bhubaneswar after hearing 144 cases and recommending about Rs. 28 lakh as relief to the victims of human rights violations in the state of Odisha. The NHRC Chairperson, Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian, Members, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani heard the cases in the presence of Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, Registrar (Law), Joginder Singh, senior officers, the concerned officers of the state government, and the complainants.

The Commission considered various cases including custodial deaths, deaths in State run homes, death of children in hospitals due to fire, death due to drowning, stray dog bite, child trafficking, denial of basic human amenities, crime against women, including rape, crime against children, missing persons, police atrocities, suicidal deaths, non-registration of FIR by police, electrocution cases, etc.

Appropriate directions were passed in different cases like granting pension, interim relief of Rs. 15,000/-, and other social welfare benefits to a senior tribal woman; expediting police investigation and filing of chargesheets before the Court in several cases; and compensation of Rs. 4 lakh each to the next of kin of five workers, who died while working in a hazardous cracker factory.

The Commission also closed 38 cases after hearing the complainants and the concerned officers. Additionally, three cases have been closed after the concerned officers submitted the compliance report along with the proof of payment as recommended by the Commission.

The Commission also observed that payment of compensation under the ‘Victim Compensation Scheme, to the tune of Rs. 1 Crore, is pending in 25 cases. It interacted with the Member Secretary, Odisha State Legal Services, who ensured disposal of the matters after payment of the compensation.

After the hearing, the Commission held a meeting with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and senior officers of the Odisha Government on various aspects of human rights. The issues discussed included crime against women and children, deaths due to snake bite, trafficking during COVID period, problems due to flood situation in parts of Odisha, human rights violations due to practise of witchcraft and sorcery, etc. The compliance of the state functionaries with the directions of the Commission was appreciated.

The NHRC, India asked the officers to submit action taken reports on various Advisories issued by the Commission on issues such as Mental Health, Bonded Labour, Right to Food & Safety, etc. They were asked to ensure the timely submission of reports to the Commission so that justice is ensured to the victims of human rights violations. The Chief Secretary assured full compliance.

Later, the Commission also interacted with the representatives of civil society, NGOs and human rights defenders. A two-minute silence was also observed condoling the untimely demise of Odisha’s noted Human Rights Defender and Advocate, Shri Radhakanta Tripathy, besides issuing a condolence message acknowledging his unwavering commitment to justice, dignity and equality, uplifting countless lives across Odisha. The HRDs highlighted various issues like human rights education, police reforms, problems of the transgenders regarding access to education and identity document issues, etc. NGOs and human rights defenders welcomed the initiative of the NHRC to reach out to them and exchange views to further strengthen human rights in the country.

NHRC Chairperson, Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian said that the continued partnership of the NGOs and HRDs with the Commission will go a long way in strengthening human rights in the country. They were also informed that they can file complaints of human rights violations online through hrcnet.nic.in. The Commission appreciated their work in the State and encouraged them to continue doing so without fear or favour.

After this, the Commission briefed the media on the outcome of the Camp Sitting / Open hearing.

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NSK