Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India today concluded its two-day camp sitting and open hearing in Bhubaneswar, focusing on alleged human rights violations in Odisha and reviewing the state government’s efforts in various welfare initiatives.
The hearings, held at the State Guest House, were presided over by NHRC Chairperson Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian, accompanied by Members Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Smt. Vijaya Bharati Sayani, and Shri Priyank Kanoongo. A total of 121 cases related to human rights violations were heard across two benches, providing a direct platform for complainants. Key NHRC officials, including Secretary General Shri Bharat Lal and Registrar (Law) Shri Joginder Singh, were also present.
In the afternoon session, the Commission engaged in comprehensive discussions with Secretaries and senior officers from various departments of the Odisha State Government. The deliberations centered on the steps taken by the state to address pressing human rights concerns. The NHRC specifically inquired about progress in areas such as:
- Rehabilitation and resettlement of persons displaced by infrastructure projects.
- Remedial measures for environmental pollution.
- Welfare initiatives for tribal affairs.
- Provisions for media welfare.
- Actions by departments including Housing and Urban Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Supply, Schools and Mass Education, Health and Family Welfare, Home, Social Security and Empowerment of the Disabled, Women and Child Development, and Forest and Environment.
The Secretaries provided detailed presentations on the welfare measures implemented by the new government, acknowledging the valuable suggestions previously offered by the NHRC.
Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja assured the Commission of the state’s serious commitment to implementing the NHRC’s recommendations on various human rights issues. He highlighted the new government’s top priority on public grievance redressal, noting that Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi is personally overseeing public complaints, which are also being resolved through an online system.
Chief Secretary Shri Ahuja articulated the state’s concerted efforts towards overall development, driven by economic progress and sustainability. He underscored the “Odisha Vision 2036”, aiming for a developed Odisha by the centenary of its formation, and aligning with the “Developed India by 2047” national goal. He reaffirmed the state’s dedication to acting upon the Commission’s observations and suggestions.
The high-level meeting saw the presence of prominent state officials, including Development Commissioner, Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Satyabrat Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary Revenue, Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Director General of Police, Y.B. Khurania, DGP (Fire) and Civil Defense Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi, along with other Principal Secretaries, Commissioners, and senior officers.
The NHRC, on its part, reiterated its commitment to facilitate grievance handling through e-mail, telephone, and online mechanisms. The State Government informed the Commission that the number of complaints filed with the NHRC is gradually decreasing, attributing this positive trend to the state’s prompt actions in resolving public issues through its various systems. The Honorable Commission expressed appreciation for the State Government’s ongoing initiatives and schemes aimed at the welfare of its citizens.