NHRC Demands Report on Tribal Land Issues in Odisha and Jharkhand

NHRC Takes Action on Tribal Rights

Kendrapara: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested an action-taken report (ATR) from the Chief Secretaries of Odisha and Jharkhand concerning issues related to displacement, tribal land alienation, deforestation, and the adverse effects on tribal communities due to the negligence of state authorities.

This directive came after a plea was submitted by human rights advocate Radhakanta Tripathy, prompting the commission to require the ATR within a 15-day timeframe. Tripathy's petition emphasized the significant and enduring consequences of tribal land alienation impacting over 100,000 tribal individuals across both states.

He highlighted the systemic exploitation through the manipulation of land records, extensive deforestation, and mass displacement triggered by various development initiatives.

These issues, he argued, have stripped tribal communities of their primary means of livelihood, cultural heritage, and legal entitlements to land.

Tripathy called on the commission to investigate the underlying causes of land alienation, enforce protective measures, and ensure effective rehabilitation for the affected populations.

In its remarks, the NHRC noted, “The commission believes that the allegations presented in the complaint represent serious violations of the victims' human rights.”

The petitioner also urged the NHRC to carry out a thorough survey and research, providing recommendations to the government regarding the pressing challenges faced by internally displaced persons due to internal conflicts, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected areas.

Additionally, Tripathy requested the commission to advocate for the establishment of a national law addressing displacement and tribal land alienation, which would encompass all forms of displacement and ensure the enforcement of tribal welfare policies throughout India.