How is the Haryana Rights Panel Helping a Senior Citizen Denied Basic Entitlements?

Chandigarh, Aug 4 (NationPress) The Haryana Human Rights Commission has responded urgently to a complaint from senior citizen Amar Singh Murwala, a resident of Panipat district, expressing serious concerns about administrative inefficiencies and the denial of essential entitlements.

The complaint presented to the commission underscored three critical issues: the arbitrary deactivation of the Parivar Pehchan Patra; the refusal of housing support under government schemes; and the inhumane and unsanitary living conditions in an old-age home.

The complainant, recognized as a verified beneficiary under the Antyodaya category, reported that his Parivar Pehchan Patra was deactivated without any prior notice, inquiry, or opportunity for him to present his case.

This action deprived him of various welfare schemes, including the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Old-Age Pension.

Murwala, who is landless, homeless, and economically disadvantaged, also claimed that despite meeting eligibility requirements, he was not provided accommodation or assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) or Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana (MMAY).

He continues to live without adequate housing, despite multiple appeals to relevant authorities.

Concerning the unhygienic conditions at the Red Cross Old-Age Home in Panipat, the complainant alleged that the living conditions in the facility are extremely unsanitary and unsafe, endangering both health and dignity.

Commission Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra has labeled the situation a “serious case of administrative failure and insensitivity,” stating that the actions or inactions infringe upon the complainant’s right to live with dignity as guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution and statutory responsibilities outlined in the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007.

In a detailed order, Justice Batra has mandated immediate verification and reactivation of the deactivated Parivar Pehchan Patra, along with a comprehensive report from the authorities explaining the deactivation, measures taken for restoration, and future preventive strategies.

The Housing for All Department of the Haryana government has been instructed to reassess the complainant’s eligibility and, if eligible, provide a 100 square yard residential plot or alternative housing support.

Additionally, the Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Panipat and the Secretary of the District Red Cross Society have been tasked with conducting a joint inspection of the Old-Age Home facility.

All relevant departments have been ordered to submit Action Taken Reports to the commission prior to the next hearing, which is scheduled for October 15.

Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information and Public Relations Officer of the Haryana Human Rights Commission, informed the media on Monday, “The commission has taken Amar Singh Murwala’s complaint very seriously. Notices have been served to seven departments, with specific timelines set for the submission of Action Taken Reports concerning each issue raised.”