The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Odisha Chief Secretary to pay Rs 3 lakh to the family members of the minor girl, who died by falling into hot dal vessel meant for mid-day meal in Koraput district.
Taking cognisance of a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer and rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy, NHRC issued the direction and sought compliance report along with proof of payment by October 15.On November 21, 2014, a Class IX student, who had fallen into a hot dal vessel , died of burn injuries. The deceased was identified as Basanti Barik, a student at Baligaon Girls’ High School in Boipariguda block of Koraput district. She had fallen unconscious and fell into a large container of hot dal while waiting in the queue for the midday meal.The failure of the Education Department in ensuring basic human rights while serving mid-day meals resulted in the death amounts to severe human rights violation, Tripathy alleged.
Seeking corrective measures against these mishaps he requested the NHRC to investigate the case and direct Government officials to pay compensation to the family members of the deceased. Pursuant to the direction of the NHRC, the State informed that the amount of Rs1 lakh as ex-gratia payment had been paid to the family members of the deceased child.
Considering the facts and circumstances, the NHRC observed that the amount paid as ex-gratia was not sufficient and issued a show-cause notice to the Chief Secretary, why an additional compensation of Rs 2 lakh would not be paid to the deceased’s kin.