NHRC seeks report over Odisha farmer suicides

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday sought a report from the Odisha government over the deaths of 12 farmers, who allegedly committed suicide in last 50 days in the state's Bargarh district.

Taking suo-motu cognizance of a media report, the commission asked the Odisha Chief Secretary to submit the detailed report within four weeks, including the steps taken for relief and rehabilitation of the affected families.

The most recent of these suicides took place on December 15, with the farmer, under tremendous pressure, taking the extreme step due to crop loss and loan burden, said a release from the NHRC.

The Commission, expressing serious concern over the incidents, has observed that these indicate the grave situation amounting to violation of right to life of the poor victims and call for immediate measures on part of the state government.

It also observed that there have been a number of cases of suicides by farmers and farm labourers across the country, including in 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 Central government as well as the state governments concerned to take immediate and effective steps to understand the anguish of the farmers.

It also asked them to ensure that the grief-stricken farmers, due to any action or inaction by the state authorities, are not forced to take the extreme step.

--IANS

cd/him/vd