NHRC voices grave concerns over ‘substandard living conditions’ in KISS

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has voiced serious concerns regarding the alleged substandard living conditions of students studying at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), the sister concern of former BJD MP Achyuta Samanta’s KIIT University. 

The NHRC has instructed the District Collector of Khordha to initiate a thorough inquiry and to deliver a comprehensive action report. This directive follows the apparent non-implementation of the District Child Welfare Committee's (CWC) July 6, 2017 recommendations, prompting the NHRC to seek an explanation from the district authorities.

Background of the Situation

In their 2017 report, the CWC had urged the establishment for a joint investigative team to address the alleged dire circumstances. However, it is alleged that even after more than eight years, there has been little progress, and the same poor conditions continue to prevail.

“The team, during inquiry, also came to know that Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Khordha District, Bhubaneswar, report dated 06/07/2017, submitted to the District Administration highlighted the poor living conditions at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), including overcrowding, unclean facilities, and lack of basic amenities. However, it is a matter of record, that no action was taken on the recommendation of the CWC Khordha District,” the NHRC report read.

“The Collector & District Magistrate, Khordha District, Odisha, is directed to submit an action taken report. The report should also submit clarification on non-compliance of recommendation/observations dated 06.07.2017 of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) Khordha,” the report added.

Calls for Accountability

The NHRC's directive includes submitting a compliance report or providing a satisfactory explanation for the lack of implementation of past recommendations. Additionally, the Commission has instructed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to examine and act on any violations concerning the safety of women and the prevention of discrimination based on religion, nationality, gender, or caste.

The NHRC has urged that the alleged breaches of guidelines regarding religious, caste, gender, and racial discrimination among students, along with women's safety issues, be redressed.