Orders Proceedings of the Commission

1 April 2002

 NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
  SARDAR PATEL BHAVAN
NEW DELHI

Name of the complainant:Suo motu

Case No.:1150/6/2001-2002

Date:1 April 2002
                 
Recommendations

21.The Commission now wishes to make a first set of Recommendations for the immediate consideration
of the Central and State Governments.As indicated earlier, once a response has been received from
these Governments on the report of the visit of the Commission's team to Gujarat, and a full analysis
made of the numerous representations received by the Commission, additional Proceedings will be
recorded by the Commission on the situation in Gujarat, offering further Comments and
Recommendations.

 Rehabilitation

            (i)The Commission recommends that places of worship that have been destroyed be
                  repaired expeditiously.Assistance should be provided, as appropriate, inter alia by
                  the State.

            (ii)Adequate compensation should be provided to those who have suffered.This will require
                  an augmentation of the funds allocated thus far, through cooperative arrangements
                  involving both the State and Central Governments.Efforts should be made to involve
                  HUDCO, HFDC and international financial and other agencies and programmes in
                  this process.

            (iii)The private sector, including the pharmaceutical industry, should also be requested to
                  participate in the relief and rehabilitation process and proper coordinating
                  arrangements established.

            (iv)The role of NGOs should be encouraged and be an intrinsic part of the overall effort to
                  restore normalcy, as was the case in the coordinated effort after the earthquake.The
                  Gujarat Disaster Management Authority, which was also deeply engaged in the
                  post-earthquake measures, should be requested to assist in the present
                  circumstances as well.

            (v)Special efforts will need to be made to identify and assist destitute women and orphans,
                  and those subjected to rape.The Women and Child Development Department,
                  Government of India and concerned international agencies/programmes should be
                  requested to help.Particular care will need to be taken to mobilize psychiatric and
                  counselling services to help the traumatized victims.Special efforts will need to be
                  made to identify and depute competent personnel for this purpose.

            (vi)The media should be requested to cooperate fully in this endeavour, including radio,
                  which is often under-utilized in such circumstances.