The Chairperson of the Commission, Justice Shri J.S. Verma, has asked the Jharkhand Government to deal with the problems of tribals - a majority in the State - with sympathy and sensitivity. Their identities should be merged and not dissolved in the mainstream of society during the process of development. He pointed out that the development could be achieved only if all aspects of human rights -- civil, political, economic, social, cultural and group rights were realized. The Chairperson was speaking to the State Chief Secretary and other senior officials of the State during his visit to Ranchi on 20-21 July 2001. He also expressed the view that State terrorism could not be an answer to insurgency, terrorism and militancy.

The Chairperson was informed that the formation of the State Human Rights Commission was under consideration of the Government. It had already set-up a Human Rights Cell in the Police Headquarters.

The State was also considering the recommendation of the Commission to adopt the Employment of Manual Scavenging and Construction of Dry Latrines Act 1993 in the next Assembly session. A survey had been undertaken to assess the magnitude of the effort required to rehabilitate those at present engaged in manual scavenging. In addition, installation of dry latrines had been totally abolished in the construction of new houses in the towns and cities.

The State Government confirmed that it had already initiated action on various other recommendations of the Commission related to the furtherance of good governance.