BHUBANESWAR: Chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Justice HL Dattu has expressed serious concern over Maoist violence, deteriorating healthcare and education, trafficking or women and children, socio-economic backwardness of the KBK region, violation of rights of people during acquisition of land for various developmental projects and lack of implementation of the Forest Rights Act in Odisha.
Inaugurating the three-day camp court here on Monday, Dattu attributed the persistent Maoist violence in Malkangiri district to the poor socio-economic status of the people.
“Malkangiri district is severely affected by Left wing extremism. Several factors, which have contributed to the persistence of Maoist violence in the district, include poor socio-economic status of the local population, majority of them belonging to the Scheduled Tribes, and lack of basic facilities such as education and healthcare,” he said.
In Malkangiri, the Commission said, schools lie in a state of abject neglect with reports suggesting that nearly 72 primary schools in the district have no infrastructure.
There are several instances of acquisition of land for various developmental projects without adequate compensation or alternative livelihood support to those displaced from their land. Allegations of police brutality against protesting villagers adds to the woes, he maintained.
Stating that trafficking of women and girls in districts like Sundargarh are indicative of a problem that is not simply related to lack of effective protection for women and girls, the former Chief Justice of India said, aspects of poverty, illiteracy and lack of adequate livelihood opportunities often compel families to relinquish care of their children.
“Starvation deaths in KBK districts have been a concern of the Commission since 1990s when it first took cognizance of the matter. Effective implementation of flagship programmes of the Centre are crucial in ensuring the socio-economic well-being of those who grapple with poverty and lack of livelihood opportunities,” he said.
The Commission underlined that there is a close connection between proper implementation of the socio-economic schemes and well-being of people and protection of their human rights.
“It is vital that in education sector, schools function properly, Aanganwadi centres are provided requisite infrastructural and financial support to function effectively and PHCs and CHCs run effectively by ensuring that vacancies of doctors and para-medical staff are filled up and there is adequate supply of medicines in these centres and hospitals,” Justice Dattu added.
While 21,912 cases have been registered from Odisha in 2015-2016 (upto December 20), the camp provided a platform for all stakeholders to voice their opinions and concerns, and in turn, help chart a way forward to address these human rights issues collectively. Altogether 107 cases were taken up for hearing before Justice Dattu, Justice D Murugesan and Justice SC Sinha.
On Tuesday, 25 important cases will be placed before the full bench of three judges and on Wednesday, six cases taken up before the division benches. Among others, Secretary General of NHRC SN Mohanty, Special Rapporteur Damodar Sarangi, Chief Secretary AP Padhi and DGP KB Singh were present.