NEW DELHI, Feb 4: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Departments of Atomic Energy, Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh was briefed today by National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Member, Priyank Kanungo regarding the human rights issues faced by families affected by terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the Kashmiri Pandits.
Kanungo informed the Minister that the NHRC is acutely aware of its duty to protect the rights of every societal group, especially the Kashmiri Pandit community, which has endured violence and hardships for over thirty years, without receiving the justice they deserved from previous governments.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the national contributions of the Kashmiri Pandit community, asserting that their well-being has always been a priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reiterating the prolonged and distressing history of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, Dr. Jitendra Singh remarked, “The situation of Kashmiri Pandits is unlike any other, as they were rendered refugees in their own homeland overnight.” He commended the Modi administration’s dedication to the welfare of these families, pointing to the Prime Minister’s numerous visits—over 35—to J&K, which significantly contributed to the implementation of aid initiatives, including housing provisions for Pandit families and efforts to facilitate their reintegration into the larger Kashmiri community.
Beyond these welfare efforts, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the infrastructure improvements in the region designed to bridge physical and emotional gaps. He noted the expansion of train connectivity and express corridors that have improved year-round access, ensuring better travel and communication.
The Minister expressed his confidence in the government’s strategy for enhancing the human rights landscape in the area, assuring that both the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) would effectively collaborate with the NHRC. He affirmed, “We will establish a systematic mechanism to address the grievances of citizens, working in partnership with the NHRC to uphold their rights.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh spoke to the importance of human rights in governance, stressing that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, addressing human rights concerns has become a central focus, with the Human Rights Commission playing a proactive role. As part of this initiative, the DoPT aims to incorporate human rights principles into its training curriculums for government officials.
Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that sensitive officers, possessing both emotional insight and intellectual proficiency, will be pivotal in promoting human rights in India. These officers, once educated on human rights matters, could act as advocates for these rights within their respective departments and communities, he added.
Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his satisfaction and optimism regarding Priyank Kanungo’s appointment as a member of the NHRC. He commended Kanungo for his dedication to the welfare and protection of human rights and reflected on his previous role as Chairman of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
In conclusion, Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed his hope that the NHRC would persist in its efforts to ensure the rights of every citizen are diligently protected.
The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) is a statutory body established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Ordinance of September 28, 1993. The NHRC is tasked with the protection and promotion of human rights, defined by the Act as rights relating to the life, liberty, equality, and dignity of the individual, guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
