Bhubaneswar, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Odisha government’s Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department to conduct an inquiry into allegations that a Rs 20-crore advanced rehabilitation facility at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar has remained non-functional for more than a year.
Acting on a petition filed by Orissa High Court Advocate Akhand, the NHRC issued the directions on September 28, asking the Principal Secretary of the SSEPD Department to submit an inquiry report within two weeks.
In his complaint, Akhand alleged that the Advanced Rehabilitation Centre (ARC), established in March 2019 at a cost of Rs 20 crore by the SSEPD Department, has remained closed for over a year.
The centre was equipped with advanced robotic rehabilitation machines, prosthetic services and assistive technologies to provide specialised treatment and rehabilitation to people suffering from stroke, neuromuscular disorders, brain injuries, polio and limb disabilities.
According to the complainant, the facility was also intended to provide free artificial limbs and therapy to underprivileged patients.
However, Akhand alleged that the centre has been non-functional for more than a year, with its premises locked and expensive machinery and infrastructure created using public funds lying unused.
He raised concerns over the utilisation of the Rs 20-crore public investment, alleging that the closure had deprived patients of essential rehabilitation and assistive services. The complainant particularly highlighted the impact on people from poor, rural and tribal communities.
Taking note of the allegations, the NHRC observed that if the claims were found to be true, they would amount to serious violations of the human rights of the affected persons.
The Commission has directed the state department to investigate the matter and submit its report within the stipulated two-week period.
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