- (1.) This writ petition has been filed highlighting the problems of residents of KBK districts in State of Orissa and seeking directions to prevent starvation deaths and occurance of famines etc.
(2.) On 28.4.1997, this Hon'ble Court noted that the National Human Rights Commissions (for short 'NHRC') was seized of the matter and recorded the submission of the learned Advocate General of State of Orissa that the State Government will implement all directions including those interim in nature, given by NHRC. In the subsequent order dated 21.7.1997, the petitioners were permitted to approach the NHRC with suggestions, for interim directions. NHRC evolved short term and long term schemes to empower the people of this region and also monitored implementation of such scheme for more than eight years. It submitted several interim reports to this Court. On 10.3.2003, this Court noted : "It is brought to our notice that in the light of the progress made in the matter before the NHRC, the matter should continue to be considered by the NHRC itself and further orders are not required by this Court at this stage. It is ordered accordingly. The report filed so far shall, therefore, stand accepted."
(3.) Various recommendations made by the NHRC have empowered the people residing in the locality by providing them with land, irrigation facilities and opportunity to live with some dignity. The monitoring mechanism suggested by NHRC also ensured that the recommendations were implemented. Both the Union of India and the State Government co- operated well and with the joint efforts of all concerned, it is stated that a perceptible change has been brought about in the KBK area, which had earlier been termed as a problem beyond redemption.;