Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) on Tuesday celebrated International Human Rights Day at Raj Bhavan |
The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) on Tuesday celebrated International Human Rights Day at Raj Bhavan, with the Governor of Maharashtra, C.P. Radhakrishnan, emphasising the need to work together without any discrimination, thereby following the shloka ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the world is one family). He stressed the importance of working for the marginalised sections of society, which, in turn, will help build a Viksit Bharat (developed India). This, he noted, would improve the societal values we live by, thus spreading equality everywhere. The Governor also emphasised the need to inculcate human rights awareness among the youth to imbibe these values, making them more empathetic leaders in the future.
Highlighting the need to address not only minorities but also distressed sections of society including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, children, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities the Governor urged everyone to prioritise these topics as key components of the human rights agenda. Speaking about the distress of farmers in Maharashtra, he expressed concern over the state’s high farmer suicide rates.
“Farmers exist all over the country, but why is it that farmers in Vidarbha are contemplating suicide? The psychological issues faced by farmers must be addressed alongside revenue concerns. This issue needs detailed study. Farmers’ challenges are multifaceted, with factors such as climate change, inadequate support, and mental health concerns playing significant roles. Counselling services can play a vital role in addressing their distress holistically,” he said.
The Governor called upon NGOs to ensure that farmers’ issues are addressed with a personal touch. “NGOs can handle this better because any counselling requires a personal connection. Government machinery often lacks this personal touch, so NGOs must step up and focus on the psychological aspects of the issue,” he added.
The Governor also touched upon the increasing number of old age homes but stressed the importance of maintaining the joint family culture. He urged families to try to avoid to abandon elderly parents in old age homes places.
People from various distressed sectors of society expressed their concerns and the challenges they face due to a lack of awareness about human rights. They demanded comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public on these issues.
The MSHRC, presided over by retired Justice K.K. Tated and members Sanjay Kumar and M.A. Sayeed, has successfully resolved as many as 536 suo motu cases since December 2021. Additionally, the commission has addressed several complaint cases, ranging from awarding compensation in custodial death cases, directing the police to register FIRs, and tackling societal rights violations, such as residents being forced to endure polluted air caused by the dumping of debris in their vicinity. These issues have been regularly reported by The Free Press Journal.
Statistics from the MSHRC office reveal an upward trend in case registrations and resolutions. Annual registrations rose from 83 cases in 2019 to 208 cases in 2023, with 126 cases already registered in 2024 as of October 21. Records indicate that the commission previously received as many as 20 to 25 complaints daily.
