NHRC recommends RLTAP extension in Orissa's KBK region

New Delhi, Aug 30 (UNI) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended extension beyond March 2007 of the Revised Long Term Action Plan (RLTAP) for the on-going relief and development programmes in Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput (KBK) region of Orissa.

The Commission has been dealing with the issue since December 1996 under a mandate from the Supreme Court by carrying out periodical monitoring of relief and development programmes in KBK region through its special rapporteur.

In the hearing on July 18, the Commission made final assessment of the various departmental projects and found the state government's performance to be satisfactory in rural water supply, social security targeted public distribution system, rural development and afforestation.

Deficiencies were observed in public health care, execution of soil conservation projects and implementation of land reforms.

The Commission expressed concern over the failure of the State in dealing effectively with malaria and even diarrhoea in the KBK region.

The Commission has recommended improvement in the primary health care by filling up vacancies of medical officers and posting of specialists, opening of additional sub centres, strengthening of the immunisation programme and intensification of drive against malaria.

Besides the launching of a special campaign to detect the cases of alienation of tribal land, under the amended provisions of Regulation 2/56, the Orissa Government has been asked to bring forth similar amendments in Orissa Land Reforms Act so as to completely ban the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals.

It has suggested that all the students in the schools run by the ST/SC Department should receive the benefit of the scholarship scheme and the Government should allot BPL rice in sufficient quantity to meet full requirements of rice for hostels run by the SC/ST departments.

A thorough review of the educational infrastructure and position of teachers especially in pre-dominantly tribal pockets of these Districts is another recommendation made by NHRC.

A special system of monitoring with peoples' involvement has also been suggested for ensuring efficiency and transparency in the execution of all developmental projects.

UNI NR MSJ PC1745