OHRC Seeks Report on Food for Tribal Prisoners

The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has sought an explanation from the state government over alleged nutritional problems faced by tribal prisoners due to prison food not matching their traditional dietary habits.

In an order issued on October 29, the commission, headed by Justice S Pujahari, directed the Home Secretary and Director General of Prisons to investigate the matter and submit reports by December 4.

The case follows a complaint filed by advocate and human rights activist Biswapriya Kanungo, who claimed that several tribal inmates, particularly those from Scheduled Areas and the undivided Koraput region, were avoiding the prescribed morning meals because they differed from their customary food habits.

Tribal communities traditionally consume ragi, millets, pulses, roots, tubers and leafy vegetables. The complaint warned that the absence of these foods from prison menus could affect inmates’ health and nutritional well-being.

The petition cited Article 21 of the Constitution and provisions of the Model Prison Manual, 2016, and Odisha Model Jail Manual, 2020, which permit dietary adjustments according to local customs and medical advice.

The OHRC has sought details of prison menus, nutritional and calorie standards, food expenditure per inmate, the number of tribal prisoners and the availability of traditional local food items. It has also asked for medical officers’ observations on inmates’ health and the government’s plans to introduce traditional foods while maintaining nutritional standards.

The commission clarified that it has not yet made any findings on the allegations.