Lodging at night shelters made free in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: From now on, homeless and people looking for low cost accommodations in urban areas especially during nights will not have to pay anything for their lodging as the State government has decided to make the accommodation at night shelters free.

Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Deputy Commissioner has informed the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) in this regard after the decision to do away with the charges was approved during a meeting of Odisha State Urban Development Agency.

According to reports, the State government has not only made lodging free but also has withdrawn the provision making identification proof mandatory for staying at night shelters.

It may be noted that the OHRC had earlier directed for action in this regard.

Human Rights activist, Bishwapriya Kanungo said the State government had carelessly fixed Rs 20 as the lodging rate for one night stay at night shelters.

"But after a rap from OHRC, the new decision to do away with the collection of fees at night shelters will be a lot more beneficial for poor and destitute people," he said.