Tangi: In the premises of the Group Health Center at Tangi, Khordha district, there are government quarters for employees. A physically challenged employee, Santosh Sahu, who was residing there, had his electricity connection cut off. He had lodged a complaint with the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) regarding this issue. It has been learned that on the 22nd, OHRC directed the Junior Engineer of Tangi Electricity Department to restore the electricity connection to Santosh’s quarters.
According to the complaint, Santosh Sahu was appointed in 2015 to the position of Technician under the physically challenged reservation category through a government notification and interview. He was working at the Group Health Center. However, without citing any reason, he was suspended in 2021. Seeking justice, Santosh approached the High Court, which ordered his immediate reinstatement.
Despite the High Court’s directive, Santosh alleged that the Health Department continued to delay his reinstatement, stating they were awaiting instructions from the Director of Health Services.
Meanwhile, the electricity connection to the government quarters where Santosh lived was disconnected. Despite submitting multiple applications to the local electricity department officials requesting restoration of the connection, no favorable action was taken. Consequently, on the 21st, he filed a complaint with the OHRC.
Following this, the OHRC directed the Tangi Electricity Department to restore the electricity connection to Santosh’s quarters.
Regarding the matter, Dr. Satya Ranjan Nanda, the in-charge superintendent of the Group Health Center, stated that Santosh had not been employed since November 2021. Therefore, according to the rules, he should not be residing in the government quarters.
Despite being asked repeatedly, Santosh did not vacate the premises. Moreover, since the quarter is not officially allotted in his name, the electricity department was instructed to disconnect the power supply, Dr. Nanda explained.