Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from the Odisha government over allegations that 34 villages in Koraput district continue to live without access to electricity, raising serious concerns about basic human rights and dignity.
Taking cognisance of a complaint, the Commission noted that the affected villages are located in Boipariguda block and have reportedly never been electrified, despite years of government-led rural electrification drives. The NHRC has directed the state authorities to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within four weeks, detailing the steps already taken and future measures proposed to address the issue.
According to the complaint, the absence of electricity has severely impacted healthcare services, education, drinking water supply and livelihood activities in these villages. It further pointed out that some of the unelectrified habitations are situated close to motorable roads, suggesting that logistical constraints alone may not explain the prolonged delay.
The Commission observed that access to electricity is closely linked to the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution, as it directly affects safety, development and quality of life, particularly in tribal and remote regions.
While Odisha has made significant strides in rural electrification through flagship schemes such as the Saubhagya Scheme and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), the complaint highlights that critical gaps remain in certain tribal pockets, including parts of Koraput district.
The NHRC stated that it will examine the state government’s response and assess whether further intervention is required to ensure that the affected communities receive timely access to essential infrastructure and public services.
-OdishaAge
