The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended the State Government to enhance the amount paid as old age pension and the quantity of food grains under the Annapurna Yojana, besides directing the Chief Secretary to submit an action plan for improving the conditions of the poor and destitute people who are facing starvation and unable to avail medical facilities at the old age.
The historic order from the apex human rights watchdog came pursuant to the petition filed by renowned rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy.
Pertinent to mention here that Harischandra Yojana for performing the last rites of poor people have been initiated and implemented during the proceeding of the case as the petitioner sought a scheme to help the poor people for the last rites.
In the initial petition filed by Radhakanta in 2011 maintained that Kuntala Nayak and Kusha Nayak died in Hinjilicut Block of Ganjam district due to failure of Government in ensuring them free medical treatment and food during old age. The petitioner had urged the Commission to intervene in the case and to ensure the basic human rights of the surviving member of the family.
Considering the petition the NHRC had issued notice to the State authority and sought response over the issue.
On June 27, 2012 the Commission observed and directed thus: “The Commission perused the report and observed that the district authorities have not intimated date of death of the wife of Kusha Nayak, date from which the monthly pension of `200 was being paid to them. The Annapurna rice (10 kg per month) was allotted to the couple since February, 2012, but how many times it was issued to them. The Commission further observed that the report is sketchy and does not cover the factual details of the incident and the action taken by the State Government.
In his rejoinder on July 26, 2012 Radhakanta had stated that the report of the district authorities admits that the victim Kusha Naik was leading a life in poverty at extreme old age without any attendant or living family member. The Government had been paying him a meagre old age pension of Rs 200 and 10 kg of rice per month which was not adequate for the poor old man.