The Odisha Forum for Social Action released a study report on discrimination during disasters here. The study reveals a large number of houses (SCs-82 per cent, STs-87 per cent, GCs-96 per cent) in Kandhamal was partially damaged. In Ganjam district, 44 per cent SCs and 56 per cent general category houses were partially damaged. 45 per cent SC households in Ganjam, 46 per cent in Kandhamal and 43 per cent in Mayurbhanj left out in Government assessment. 52 per cent ST in Kandhamal, 42 per cent in Mayurbhanj and 38 per cent in Baleswar were identified as leftout.
20 per cent general category received a compensation of Rs15, 000 and above each but only a negligible number of SC and ST households received this package.
The study indicates that more than half of the households did not receive early warnings. Only 61 per cent SC, 53 per cent ST and 70 per cent general category households from all the four districts of the study areas were evacuated before Phailin-hit landfall.
A total of 61 per cent SC, 68 per cent ST and 67 per cent general households took shelter in cyclone homes in the study areas. 26 per cent SC families in Ganjam district could not take shelter in such shelter homes.
Only 33 per cent of ST and 43 per cent of SC families in Kandhamal district had access to safe drinking water.
No one including those in the general category in Kandhamal district received health support.
In Ganjam district, just 13 per cent of SC households received medicine while 57 per cent general category households availed required medicines.
In Kandhamal and Mayurbhanj districts, none of the affected households received sanitary kits and in Baleswar district only 8 per cent ST households received sanitary kits compared to 22 per cent in general category.
The Study recommends that the SC/ST and minority representatives who are working on the disaster response should be part of different planning bodies; the Government should ensure pucca house for every SC/ST and minority households; amendment in Odisha relief code; special compensation package for SC/ST and minority children, pregnant ladies and old people, among others.