Bhubaneswar: Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has ordered a detailed inquiry into allegations by a hearing-impaired youth from Sundargarh district that discrepancies in official records relating to his parentage have deprived him of benefits meant for orphans and persons with disabilities.Taking cognisance of a complaint filed by Karan Ekka, the commission observed that the matter required examination from the perspective of the complainant’s rights to equality, dignity and protection. The petitioner claimed that he was brought up in various child care institutions (CCIs) as an orphan, but different institutional and educational records contain different names of his parents. He also alleged that his Aadhaar record reflects the name of a superintendent of a CCI as his father.According to the complaint, repeated representations to authorities failed to resolve discrepancies or establish his parentage. The petitioner contended that the inconsistencies adversely affected his eligibility for welfare measures available to orphans and persons with disabilities.In an order passed on Monday, OHRC chairperson Justice S Pujahari directed Sundargarh collector and district magistrate to conduct a detailed inquiry through district child protection officer (DCPO). The commission sought verification of records relating to the complainant’s admission and transfer across CCIs, the basis for recording parental details in school and institutional documents, and the circumstances under which the Aadhaar entry was made.OHRC directed that the inquiry report, along with supporting documents, be submitted within five days and instructed the concerned child care institutions and district authorities to fully cooperate. It also asked officials to ensure that no adverse action is taken against the complainant for pursuing his grievance. The matter has been posted for further hearing on Sept 1.
