MSHRC celebrates International Human Rights Day at Raj Bhavan, focuses on marginalized sections and farmer distress

Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) celebrated International Human Rights Day at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday, with Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan stressing on the need to work together without any discrimination, thereby following the shloka of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' . Have a family). He stressed the importance of working for the marginalized sections of the society, which in turn would help in building a developed India (Developed India). He said, this will improve the social values ​​we live by, thereby spreading equality everywhere. The Governor also stressed the need to create human rights awareness among the youth to imbibe these values, thereby making them more empathetic leaders in the future.

Highlighting the need to address not only minorities but also distressed sections of the society including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, children, transgender persons and people with disabilities, the Governor appealed to all to prioritize these issues as key components of the human rights agenda. requested. Speaking about the farmers' crisis in Maharashtra, he expressed concern over the state's high farmer suicide rate.

“Farmers are all over the country, but why is it that farmers in Vidarbha are considering suicide? Along with revenue concerns, psychological issues faced by farmers should also be addressed. This issue needs detailed study. Farmers' challenges are multifaceted, with factors such as climate change, inadequate support and mental health concerns playing a significant role. Counseling services can play an important role in addressing their crisis holistically,” he said.

The Governor called on NGOs to ensure that farmers' issues are addressed with a personal touch. “NGOs can handle this better because any consultation requires a personal connection. The government machinery often lacks this personal touch, so NGOs should come forward and focus on the psychological aspects of the issue,” he said.

The Governor also discussed the increasing number of old age homes but stressed the importance of maintaining the joint family culture. He urged families to try to avoid leaving elderly parents in old age homes.

People from various distressed sectors of the society faced their concerns and challenges due to lack of awareness about human rights. He called for a massive awareness campaign to educate the public on these issues.

The MSHRC, headed by retired judge KK Tatted and members Sanjay Kumar and MA Sayeed, has successfully resolved 536 suo motu cases since December 2021. Additionally, the Commission has addressed a number of grievance cases ranging from awarding compensation in cases of custodial deaths. , directing the police to register FIRs, and dealing with violations of social rights, such as residents being forced to endure polluted air due to debris being thrown in their vicinity. These issues have been reported regularly by the NewBharat TV.

The data from the MSHRC office shows an increasing trend in registration and resolution of cases. Annual registrations increased from 83 cases in 2019 to 208 cases in 2023, with 126 cases already registered in 2024 as of 21 October. Records show that earlier the commission used to receive 20 to 25 complaints every day.