Date:01/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/01/stories/2006090105820700.htm

National

Rights panel for extension of development plan

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended extension beyond March 2007 of the long-term action plan for the ongoing relief and development programmes in Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput (KBK) region of Orissa.

The NHRC has been dealing with the matter since December 1996 under a mandate from the Supreme Court by carrying out periodical monitoring of relief and development programmes in the region through its special rapporteur Chaman Lal. The Commission expressed its distress over the failure of the State in dealing effectively with the menace of malaria and diarrhoea in the region.

Recommendations

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