The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) intervened in two tragic negligence cases at Anganwadi centres in Odisha’s Cuttack and Keonjhar districts.
The incidents, which resulted in multiple fatalities, prompted NHRC to issue notices to the district administrations, leading to financial compensation and disciplinary action.
In the first case, three young girls from Keonjhar—Bharti Patra (4), Ipsa Patra (3), and Payal Patra—lost their lives on July 30, 2024, after drowning near an Anganwadi centre lacking proper sanitation facilities. Forced to relieve themselves near a nearby mud-pit, they tragically fell in and could not be saved.
Similarly, in another incident in Cuttack’s Banki region, Anganwadi worker Sulochana Swain lost her life while on duty. Allegedly, inadequate safety measures contributed to her untimely demise.
Human rights advocate Radhakanta Tripathi took the matter to the NHRC, highlighting administrative negligence and urging compensation for the bereaved families.
Following NHRC’s intervention, the district administrations allocated ₹4 lakh in compensation to each victim’s family and initiated action against the officials responsible for lapses in duty.
NHRC, having reviewed the corrective measures, has now closed both cases. However, these tragedies have sparked debates on the safety and infrastructure of childcare facilities across India, urging authorities to prioritise welfare measures for vulnerable populations.
