- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) stated that senior Odisha officials, including Chief Secretary and DGP, have been sensitized about crimes against women and children
- NHRC stressed that these matters be dealt with promptly and sympathetically
- The initiative is in accordance with NHRC's continuous pursuit of supporting human rights enforcement at the state level
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) conducted an open hearing and camp sitting in Bhubaneswar on July 21–22, considering 144 cases of human rights violations in Odisha. The Commission suggested compensation of around ₹28 lakh to the victims.
NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian and Members Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Vijaya Bharathi Sayani conducted the hearings in the presence of NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal, Registrar Joginder Singh, high-level Commission officials, representative of the state government, and aggrieved persons.
The Commission heard a series of serious cases such as custodial deaths, deaths in state institutions, hospital fires, drowning cases, child trafficking, stray dog bites, police inaction, electrocution, violence due to witchcraft, crimes against children and women, and deprivation of basic human rights.
On the conclusion of the hearings, the NHRC issued orders in various cases, such as: Granting pension, interim relief of ₹15,000, and welfare benefits to a tribal woman, guiding the police to speed up investigations and register charge sheets, suggesting ₹4 lakh compensation to each of the families of five workers who perished in a fire at a cracker unit.
The Commission also disposed of 38 cases after hearings and three cases were disposed of on the basis of compliance reports and payment proof filed by the concerned authorities.
A significant point is that the NHRC pointed out that payment of compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme worth ₹1 crore is pending in 25 cases. The Odisha State Legal Services Authority assured the Commission that these cases will be settled shortly.
The NHRC also convened a high-level meeting with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and other top state officials to address a wide array of human rights issues, such as: Crimes against women and children, deaths due to snakebites, COVID-19 related trafficking, and human rights issues related to floods, witchcraft and sorcery practices
The message of the Commission also appreciated efforts by the state and compliance with NHRC guidelines. State authorities were asked to submit Action Taken Reports on previous advisories for mental health, bonded labour, right to food, and safety.
The NHRC also engaged with civil society groups, NGOs, and human rights defenders (HRDs) to exchange perspectives and deepen collaboration. HRDs raised concerns regarding human rights education, reform of the police, and the situation of the transgender community, particularly in accessing education and obtaining identity documents.
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