New Delhi 5th May 2006
The NHRC has taken suo-motu cognizance based on media reports that a 4-year-old boy Budhia Singh was made to run a 65 km marathon in Orissa on 2nd May 2006. The Commission after observing the contents of various reports appearing in different newspapers has said that if the contents of the reports are true it raises serious issue of violation of human rights of the child. A number of newspapers on 3rd May 2006 under different captions highlighted the marathon run by a 4-year-old boy Budhia Singh. They also highlighted the role of CRPF, which conducted the marathon.
The 'Telegraph' under the caption "CRPF party to play with child life", 'The Hindustan Times' under the caption " 65 KM at 5 years, Isn't this child abuse?" and some other newspapers highlighted the human rights side of the story. The newspapers also said that the Orissa Government had imposed curbs on Budhia Singh's running, yet the district authorities in Puri allowed the boy to run the 65 kms distance in sweltering heat, as CRPF was associated with the event. Report also said that the Sports Minister of Orissa Sh. Debashis Nayak, Archana Nayak, MP and Additional Director of CRPF Mr. B.S.Gill were present at the CRPF stadium in Bhubaneshwar to receive Budhia Singh.
It was also reported that before Budhia could run the full length he was exhausted and had to interrupt the run. Reacting to the incident a number of doctors had also voiced their concern saying, long distance runs could make heart beat faster to meet the extra oxygen need which could lead to heart failure. Further they said that Budhia's cartilages could face serious wear and tear, ultimately affecting his normal growth. Doctors also fear that nutritional deficiency, resulting from the abnormal amount of calories that the child burns up, by running long distances could also affect his muscle growth and bone strength.
The Commission has directed that the news report be sent to the Chief Secretary, Government of Orissa and DG, CRPF, New Delhi for comments in two weeks.


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