The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has initiated an inquiry following a media report regarding the deaths of two girl students in Gajapati district, Odisha, on April 15. According to an official statement released on April 24, the girls allegedly perished when an iron gate of a government primary school collapsed on them while they were playing at the school entrance.

The event has raised significant concerns about the potential violation of human rights, as the NHRC has emphasised the importance of safeguarding the welfare of children in educational institutions. The Commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to ascertain the truth of the reported events.

Locals reportedly attempted to rescue the victims and rushed them to a nearby hospital, but medical personnel pronounced them dead upon arrival. The NHRC’s reaction highlights its role in addressing critical human rights issues in the country.

Official Responses and Actions

In response to this tragic incident, the NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Odisha and the Superintendent of Police in Gajapati. The notices call for detailed reports on the matter within a two-week timeframe. The Commission’s actions reflect its commitment to examining the implications of such occurrences and ensuring accountability.

The NHRC’s inquiry aims to determine if there were any lapses in safety regulations or administrative oversight that may have contributed to the event. The outcomes of these reports could potentially lead to further action to address systemic issues within educational infrastructure in the area.

By demanding accountability from state authorities, the NHRC seeks to remind local governments of their responsibility to ensure the safety of children within educational settings. This incident may prompt a broader review of safety measures implemented in schools across the region.

Additional Incidents in the Region

The NHRC has also taken suo motu cognizance of a separate incident in Nuh district, Haryana, where two sanitation workers died and another was injured while cleaning a sewer line on April 15. Reports suggest that these workers were not provided with adequate safety gear by the contractor engaged by the Public Health Engineering Department, which raises serious concerns regarding worker safety practices in hazardous environments.

Moreover, the NHRC highlighted another distressing incident from Nanded district, Maharashtra, where four children reportedly drowned in a 15-feet-deep pit near construction work for a drain. This pit was filled with accumulated wastewater from the nearby construction site. Such incidents underline the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols in public works and the protection of children in proximity to hazardous areas.

In light of these occurrences, the NHRC’s actions signal a growing recognition of its role in advocating for the rights and safety of vulnerable populations, particularly children and workers in hazardous jobs. The developments will likely lead to evaluations of safety awareness and enforcement procedures across various sectors.

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