Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Feb 19: The fundamental rights granted to citizens are human rights, and it is the duty of government officials to protect them. In case of any violation, the public can file complaints before the Commission, said the President of the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, T Shyam Bhat.

He was speaking while presiding over a meeting held on February 19 at the Dr V S Acharya Auditorium of the District Panchayat at Rajathadri, Manipal. The meeting was organized jointly by the Udupi district administration and the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, Bengaluru, to review disposal of cases, receive public grievances, and inquire into complaints along with district-level officials.

T Shyam Bhat stated that government officials act as custodians of human rights and must ensure that the rights of common citizens are not violated. When grievances related to human rights violations are brought before departmental authorities, they must respond with courtesy and patience, carefully listen to complaints, and resolve them in accordance with the rules.

T Shyam Bhat further said that members of the public approach the Commission when their fundamental rights are violated. Notices are issued seeking reports regarding such complaints, and officials must submit these reports within the stipulated time. Upon examination, if any wrongdoing is found, the Commission will recommend disciplinary and other appropriate actions against the concerned officials to the government. In certain serious cases, recommendations for compensation may also be made.

Commission Member S K Vantigodi said that every individual is naturally endowed with human rights from birth. Every person in society has the right to live with dignity, and they also have the right to question and challenge violations of these rights.

S K Vantigodi added that the government implements several schemes and programs for the welfare of the public, and these must reach the eligible beneficiaries. Care must be taken to ensure that ineligible persons do not benefit. He also noted that under the law, citizens have the right to receive certain services, and undue delay in providing such services amounts to a violation of the law.

Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T K stated that Udupi district has geographical differences compared to other districts. Certain modifications and relaxations may be necessary to effectively implement some government schemes, programs, and regulations.

Although Udupi district has expanded from three to seven taluks, there is still a shortage of officers and staff in several departments. Despite this, officials and staff are discharging their duties efficiently across all departments, she said.

The meeting was attended by Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Prateek Bayal, Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar, DFO Ruthren P, Wildlife DFO Shivarama M Babu, district-level officers from various departments, tahsildars, and others.