The NHRC issued a notice to Odisha government Wednesday after reports said relief material did not reach people in parts of cyclone-hit Puri and Khurdha districts, and sought immediate steps to address the issue.
The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that people were facing hardships and were agitated as relief material did not reach them in parts of the two districts, a NHRC release said.
Thousands of Cyclone Fani-affected people came out on streets on May 7, after reportedly struggling for food and water for four days and were lathicharged by police, it said.
The Commission said it understands the state administration, in collaboration with central agencies and NGOs, is trying to cope up with the situation but there seems to be necessity to identify areas that need immediate relief and rehabilitation.
The NHRC has issued a notice to Odisha chief secretary to take immediate steps to address the issues of the general public. The chief secretary is expected to submit his response to the NHRC within six weeks, the release said.
According to media reports published Wednesday, the residents were angry with the government's move to provide additional 50 kg rice and Rs 2,000 to only those covered by the Food Safety Programme in Puri and Khurdha districts, it said.
The people have reportedly questioned whether the cyclone has not affected those who do not have ration cards?
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