The National Human Rights Commission, as part of its programme of visits to 28 districts in different states of the country, sent a team led by Member, Mr. Justice B.C. Patel to Kalahandi District in Orissa for making an assessment of the level of awareness and enforcement of human rights. The team, comprising Mr. Damodar Sarangi, Special Rapporteur, Dr. Sanjay Dubey, Director (Admin.) stayed there for two days from the 24th -26th February, 2010. The team visited schools, primary and community health centres, police stations, old age homes, jail, ration shops and took stock of the empowerment of children, women, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and other vulnerable sections of the society. The issues concerning right to food, education, health, custodial justice were paid specific attention during the field visits.
A workshop of District level functionaries, selected NGOs among others was organized on the 26th February, 2010. The workshop was chaired by Mr. Justice B.C. Patel. The issues regarding awareness and level of enforcement of human rights were discussed during the workshop.