In News:

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the District Magistrate of Keonjhar, Odisha, over alleged human rights violations concerning the Juanga tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in the region.

About Juanga Tribe

• One of 13 PVTGs among 62 tribal communities in Odisha.
• Population: ~50,000 (2011 Census).
• Primarily located in Keonjhar and Dhenkanal districts, especially in the Gonsaika hills of Banspal block, Keonjhar.
• Language: Juang, a Munda language of the Austroasiatic family.
• Known for their clan structure, kinship ties, and animistic beliefs blended with Hindu practices. Their sun god is regarded as the supreme deity.
• Traditional livelihood: Initially hunters and gatherers, later adapted to basket-weaving and bartering after forest reserves were declared during British rule.
• Traditional clothing: Women wore leaf girdles; men used small loincloths. Post-contact, they adopted external clothing practices.

Alleged Human Rights Violations

• The petition highlighted lack of basic amenities in 114 Juanga villages:
  • Healthcare: Nearest PHC is 15 km away; residents must carry patients on cots. Limited access to Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana or National Health Card.
  • Infrastructure: Absence of all-weather roads, schools, and safe drinking water.
  • Tragic case: Deaths of SuniaJuanga (35), his wife Rashmi (30), and their six-month-old daughter due to lack of timely medical help in Jantari village.
  • Social issues: No official records on child marriages, orphans, or other vulnerable groups among the Juangas.

NHRC's Directive

• NHRC asked for a detailed report within four weeks from the district administration.
• The petition also criticized underutilization of the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds, despite Keonjhar being one of the top fund-holding districts.