Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India concluded its two days long Bhubaneswar Camp Sitting after hearing 144 cases in Full Commission and Division benches and recommended Rs. 28 Lakh as relief to the victims of human rights violations in the state of Odisha.
The NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Members Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi and Vijaya Bharati Sayani heard the cases. As Priyanka Kanoongo, Member could not attend the hearing due to other assignments, Hon’ble Chiarperson conducted a Single Bench hearing. The victims, complainants and the authorities were present during the hearing.The Commission considered the cases of custodial deaths, heaths in State run homes, death of children in hospitals due to fire, death due to drowning, stray dog bite, child trafficking, denial of basic human amenities, crime against women, including rape, crime against children, missing persons, police atrocities, suicidal deaths, non-registration of FIR by police, electrocution cases etc.
A senior tribal lady was given pension, interim relief of Rs. 15,000/- and other benefits under the social welfare schemes. In many cases, the police expedited the investigation and filed charge sheet before the Court. In case of death of five workers, including a 12 years old boy, while working in hazardous cracker factory, compensation of Rs. 4 Lakhs each was given to the NoK of the victims and the hazardous factory has been sealed.
The Commission has closed 38 cases after hearing both the parties. 03 cases have been closed after receipt of compliance report along with the proof of payment of compensation.
The Commission observed that payment of compensation under the ‘Victim Compensation Scheme” to the tune of Rs. One Crore, is pending in 25 cases. The Commission interacted with the Member Secretary, Odisha State Legal Services who has ensured disposal of matters after payment of the compensation within a fortnight.
After the hearing on 21.07.2025, the Commission held a meeting with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and senior officers of the Odisha Government for their sensitization about human rights. Issues like crime against women, crime against children, deaths due to snake bite, trafficking during covid period, problems due to flood situation in parts of Odisha, human rights violation due to practice of witchcraft and sorcery etc. were discussed. The compliance of the State functionaries to the directions of Commission was appreciated.
The Commission asked the officers to submit action taken reports on various Advisories issued by the Commission on issues such as Mental Health, Bonded Labour, Right to Food & Safety etc. They were asked to ensure timely submission of reports to the Commission so that victims of human rights violations get expeditious justice. It was also emphasized that compliance reports on the Commission’s recommendation are submitted without delay. The Chief Secretary assured full compliance.
Later, the Commission also interacted with the representatives of civil society, NGOs and human rights defenders. They raised a gamut of issues like human rights education, Police reforms, problems of the transgenders regarding access to education and identity document issues etc.
The Commission appreciated the work being done by the NGOs and Human Rights Defenders in the State and encouraged them to continue doing so without fear or favour. The interaction concluded with the observation that the continued partnership of the NGOs and HRDs with the National Human Rights Commission will go a long way in strengthening the human rights regime in the country. They were also informed that they can file complaints of human rights violations online through hrcnet.nic.in.
