The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a status report from the Chief Secretary over the status of an orphan family in Nayagarh district.
The NHRC was moved by rights activist Radhakanta Tripathy on November 5 last year alleging that on November 1, 2013 a helpless woman Kunti Dharua widow of Hita Dharua died due to medical negligence in the Nayagarh. After her death her five minor children most of whom are girls have become orphans. Their condition was so miserable that they were not able to perform the last rites of their deceased mother.
“The first two children who are adolescent daughters left their studies to earn a livelihood for the family despite odds against them as child labourers,” said the petitioner requesting the apex human rights panel for restoration of their basic human rights.
The petitioner stated that pursuant to the direction of the commission, a report dated 11.7.14 from the State Government has been received by the commission wherein the condition of the distressed family was narrated. The report revealed that the family has been included in the BPl list of beneficiaries and 25 kg of rice at the rate of Re1is being provided to them, besides a financial assistance of `3000 has been provided and another similar amount has been recommended to the Collector from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Another report dated 17.7.14 from the Government received by the commission revealed the background of the sufferings of the deceased Kunti Dharua as a TB patient and her treatment. It is reported that deceased Kunti Dharua died due to shock for the loss of her husband and her third daughter.
The NHRC further directed the CS to submit a status report on the question of shelter to the orphans under MO Kudia Yojana within six weeks and also transmitted each report to the petitioner for comments within the same period.
In his rejoinder the petitioner submitted that the family has not yet been assisted a house neither under any Government schemes nor the children duly cared for. He urged the commission that all the benefits under the social protection scheme are ensured to this unfortunate family. The response from the Chief Secretary is awaited.