NHRC slaps notice to Odisha govt over Bargarh farmer suicides

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today issued notice to Odisha government seeking a detailed report within four weeks over the incidents of suicides by 12 farmers in 50 days in Bargarh district.

Taking suo motu cognizance of a media report that 12 farmers committed suicide in 50 days in Bargarh district, the Commission while expressing serious concern over the matter has observed that these incidents indicate towards the grave situation amounting to violation of right to life of the poor victims and calls for immediate measures on part of the State government.

Apart from seeking a detailed report from the State Chief Secretary on the matter, the NHRC has also sought to know what steps have been taken for relief and rehabilitation of the affected families.

The Commission quoting the media report has pointed out that a farmer reportedly, committed suicide in Bargarh district on December 15. Since the farmer was under tremendous pressure due to crop loss and loan burden, he had taken the extreme step, it added.

The Commission has also observed that there have been a number of cases of suicides by the farmers and farm labourers, across the country, including in the States of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

It has been taking cognizance of these matters and emphasizing upon the Centre as well as the concerned State governments to take immediate and effective steps to understand the anguish of the poor farmers and ensure that due to any action or inaction by the State authorities, the grief-stricken farmers are not forced to take the extreme step.