NHRC concludes Odisha Camp, recommends Rs 28 lakh relief payment

Odisha: In a major outreach effort, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) concluded its two-day Open Hearing and Camp Sitting in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, recommending approximately Rs 28 lakh in compensation for victims across 144 cases of alleged human rights violations in Odisha.

Key human rights violations heard and addressed

The NHRC panel—comprising Chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian, Members Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, and Vijaya Bharathi Sayani—took up a broad spectrum of complaints. They heard the cases in the presence of Secretary General Bharat Lal, Registrar (Law), Joginder Singh, senior officers, the concerned officers of the state government, and the complainants.

These included custodial deaths, fatalities in state-run homes, hospital fire-related deaths of children, drowning incidents, deaths due to stray dog bites, and electrocution cases. Serious issues like child trafficking, rape, denial of basic amenities, witchcraft-related violence, and non-registration of FIRs by police were also raised.

Compensations and directives issued

Among the significant outcomes — A compensation of Rs 4 lakh each was recommended for families of five workers who died in a fire at a hazardous cracker factory. Relief and pension were ordered for a senior tribal woman. Several directions were issued to expedite pending police investigations and filing of chargesheets. Interim relief of Rs 15,000 and welfare benefits were sanctioned in individual cases.

Pending compensation worth Rs 1 crore highlighted

The Commission flagged 25 cases where compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme — amounting to nearly Rs 1 crore — remained unpaid. The Odisha State Legal Services Authority was urged to ensure early disposal, and Member Secretary promised timely resolution.

38 cases closed after review

Of the 144 cases heard — 38 were closed after interactions between the complainants and officials. 3 additional cases were closed following verified compliance with NHRC recommendations.

Dialogue with Odisha government on human rights issues

The NHRC also met with Odisha’s Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and senior officials to address systemic issues including: Women and child safety, deaths from snakebites, flood-related challenges, COVID-era trafficking and witchcraft and sorcery-related abuses.

The Commission emphasized timely submission of Action Taken Reports on advisories related to mental health, bonded labour, right to food, and safety. The Chief Secretary assured full cooperation.

Tribute to human rights defender Radhakanta Tripathy

A two-minute silence was observed in memory of Advocate Radhakanta Tripathy, a prominent human rights defender from Odisha. The Commission issued a formal condolence, lauding his lifelong dedication to justice and dignity.

Civil society engagement welcomed

NHRC’s interaction with civil society groups, NGOs, and Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) saw the latter raise issues such as transgender rights and identity documentation, human rights education and the need for police reforms. The Commission appreciated their efforts and reiterated its support for their continued involvement, encouraging them to file complaints online at hrcnet.nic.in

The Commission concluded its Odisha sitting with a media briefing, underlining its commitment to justice and acknowledging the importance of government and civil society collaboration in promoting and protecting human rights.