BHUBANESWAR: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday sought the
authority to ‘enforce’ power without which the apex human rights panel is a toothless statutory body.
Addressing the mediapersons at the end of three-day camp court at Bhubaneswar, NHRC Chairperson Justice H L Dattu said there should be some enforcement power in the Protection of Human Rights Act so that the Commission can initiate proceedings against officials ignoring its recommendations.
“We are passing recommendations and awarding compensations. But we don't have that power to take action against the authorities who violate the orders. If that power is incorporated in the Act, we may
be in a position to do much more what we are doing today,” Dattu said.
On the issue of people sandwiched between Maoists and don'tecurity personnel in different Maoist-hit areas, NHRC said the situation is gradually changing.
“The Chief Secretary informed us that the incidents of left wing extremism have come down from 18 districts to only two districts now. The Government is working to improve situation in the affected
areas. Gradually, the things will improve,” he said.
Asked about the Commission’s observations on the land acquisition problems across the nation, Justice Dattu said a new law on land acquisition has come into force. The new act has appropriate measures.
It takes care of the problems faced by the citizen. It is a good move, he said.
Since its inception in 1993, the NHRC has provided justice, liberty and equality to many victims of human rights violation. The Commission observed that its recommendation to include human rights in the school curriculum has been accepted by CBSE.
“Odisha is also going to include human rights as a subject in the schools from 2018 academic year. The Chief Secretary has assured this to the commission during the camp court,” he said.
The Commission has made certain recommendations to the State Government on the issues relating to Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), food security and forest rights acts, rehabilitation of bonded labourers, issuance of case certificates and custodial deaths.
The MMR is highest in Kandhamal district and Health Department needs to look at genetic diseases like Hemophilia and renewal of blood bank licenses, the Commission said besides directing the State Government to strengthen the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) by filling all vacancies and developing infrastructure.