NHRC Summons Rayagada Collector As Tribals Cross River & Trek 6KM For PDS Rice In Odisha

Rayagada: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has summoned Rayagada Collector Swadha Dev Singh over the issue of Kerandi villagers under Hataseshakhal panchayat having to walk 6 km after crossing a river for PDS rice and other facilities.

According to sources, this is for the third time that the rights panel has issued a notice to the collector after she failed to submit a report in this connection. She has been directed to submit the report by January 4, 2023. If she fails to do so, she would have to appear before the commission on January 11.

The collector was issued a notice on April 28 and again on June 6 after activist Dillip Kumar Das of Bhawanipatna filed a complaint with NHRC, regarding the lack of roads, schools and access to the hospital for the delivery of pregnant women, following a news report about the plight of the villagers on February 23.

Around 3o tribal families stay in Kerandi village on the banks of the Nagavali river. There is no pucca road to the village and they have to trek through muddy paths and hilly terrains. The children too are forced to cross the river and walk 6 km to attend Hataseshakhal School. Villagers also travel to Hataseshakhal Panchayat for allowances and PDS supplies in a similar manner.