Taking cognisance of a media report in this regard, the Commission asked the state Chief Secretary to submit a report in this regard within four weeks.
An NHRC spokesperson said the report alleged that 63 members of 13 Dalit families were facing social ostracisation owing to the high-handedness of the upper caste people in Thuruburei village in Ganjam district.
According to the report, the spokesperson said, the Dalits belonging to washer-man community have been facing social ostracisation for the last two years.
They were allegedly barred from making purchases from shops of the village, collecting water from the community wells and tubewells, getting water for agriculture from the local lift irrigation point and entering the village temple and community hall.
"Reportedly, some of the medical practitioners also do not provide assistance to them when needed. Besides this, the Dalits are also compelled to wash cloths of the upper castes for a pittance," the spokesperson said.