NHRC Urges Odisha Govt to Improve Basic Amenities in Underdeveloped Regions

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Odisha Chief Secretary to improve basic amenities and healthcare in Koraput, Bolangir, and Kalahandi districts, following a petition highlighting the plight of migrant workers.

The petition, filed by human rights lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy, highlighted a distressing incident involving Samulu Pangi, a migrant worker who was forced to carry the body of his deceased wife, Ide Guru, for burial in their native village of Sorada due to a lack of medical facilities and support. Despite efforts to seek medical help for his ailing wife in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Pangi faced numerous obstacles, including the refusal of transportation and language barriers.

NHRC emphasized the rampant exploitation faced by poor migrant labourers, citing violations of their right to life and livelihood by contractors and middlemen, exacerbated by negligence from state authorities.

In response to these concerns, NHRC has recommended that the Odisha government prioritize improving basic health facilities and amenities in underdeveloped areas, ensuring the effective implementation of central and state government schemes. Additionally, NHRC stressed the need for streamlined evaluation mechanisms to monitor the delivery of essential services at various administrative levels.

The commission urged equitable distribution of resources across the state, with a special focus on traditionally deprived and backward areas, emphasizing the importance of uplifting these regions through targeted initiatives.