NHRC Conference Highlights Public Services for Human Dignity
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India hosted a pivotal National Conference today, themed ‘Ensuring Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All,’ at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This event, held in observance of Human Rights Day, was chaired by NHRC Chairperson, Justice V. Ramasubramanian, who emphasized the importance of public services and individual dignity in upholding the country’s status as a welfare state.
Justice Ramasubramanian pointed out that elected representatives create policies aimed at public welfare, while civil servants are responsible for executing these policies. He stressed that public servants play a crucial role in bridging the gap between policy formulation and the delivery of benefits to citizens, citing ideals from the Ramayana to illustrate the importance of efficiency in achieving maximum benefit swiftly and cost-effectively.
Reflections on Progress and Human Rights
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, highlighted Human Rights Day as a reaffirmation of India’s democratic principles. He noted the country’s significant strides in recent years, particularly in enhancing living standards through housing, nutrition, healthcare, and employment security. Citing Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Dr. Mishra pointed out India’s transition from focusing solely on civil and political rights to a more comprehensive approach that includes socio-economic and cultural entitlements.
Achievements and Challenges in Public Services
Dr. Mishra contrasted the legal-centered approach to rights before 2014 with the current model that prioritizes closing last-mile gaps, ensuring every entitlement reaches all citizens. He detailed major accomplishments such as the construction of 4 crore pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the provision of 12 crore tap-water connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission. He also mentioned the successes of the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, which collectively enhance the social security landscape for millions of Indians.
Addressing Emerging Challenges
In light of new challenges, Dr. Mishra urged the NHRC to focus on critical areas such as climate rights, governance of artificial intelligence, and protections for gig economy workers. He underscored that good governance is a fundamental human right, deeply rooted in empathy and respect for individual dignity.
Basic Amenities and Health Rights
The conference featured various sessions where NHRC members engaged in discussions focusing on basic amenities and public service delivery. NHRC Member, Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, advocated for stringent service delivery standards and zero tolerance for corruption to ensure that essential services reach those most in need. Dr. V.K. Paul from NITI Aayog drew attention to health variables influencing community well-being while recognizing legal interpretations that have included health rights within the constitutional framework.
Empowering Through Education and Technology
In the second session, NHRC Member, Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, indicated that while basic needs must be met, true empowerment demands that dignity and well-being extend beyond mere survival metrics. Officials including Sudhansh Pant from the Ministry of Social Justice highlighted educational and skill development initiatives aimed at ensuring dignity through empowerment. Bhuvnesh Kumar from UIDAI spoke on the significance of Aadhaar for service delivery, clarifying its purpose as a unique identification tool to enhance service access.
A Call for Environmental Rights
Ms. Sunita Narain, Director General of the Centre for Science and Environment, stressed the necessity of recognizing the right to a clean environment as fundamental to living with dignity. She urged stakeholders to innovate and support scalable solutions in sanitation, energy, and public health sectors, reinforcing that rights should reflect true lived experiences, not mere policy frameworks.
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