NHRC Seeks ATR From Odisha Govt On Sewage Tank Workers’ Death

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought action taken report (ATR) from Odisha government in connection with the death of two manual scavengers due to asphyxiation at Bhubaneswar last month.

The NHRC has asked Chief Secretary to furnish the proof of payment of Rs 10 lakh each paid to nearest of kin of deceased persons, details of departmental action taken against the delinquent public servants, and steps taken by the State government to prevent such deaths.

The apex rights body referred to a judgment of the Supreme Court given in the case of Safai Karamchari Andolan & Ors vs UoI on March 27, 2014. The apex rights body top court directed that a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to be given to the family of the deceased.

Similarly, Odisha Police has been asked to apprise NHRC about the status or outcome of criminal case and whether FIR under Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 has been registered.

It may be mentioned here that two labourers from Mayurbhanj district engaged in maintenance of sewage tanks at Brahmeswar Bagh area under Badagada police limits in Odisha capital died of asphyxiation on March 19.