The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has ordered an investigation into the discrepancies in the names of parents recorded in the certificates and Aadhaar card of a parentless boy, Praveen, from Odisha.
Praveen, who is pursuing his graduation at Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, was raised in childcare institutions and has been fighting against the odds to make his way in life. However, the discrepancies in his records have deprived him of government assistance, casting a shadow over both his identity and education.
The OHRC has directed the Sundargarh district administration to probe how the discrepancies arose and explore remedial measures to correct his records. The Commission has ordered a 13-point inquiry into the matter and has directed the district collector to complete the inquiry within five days.
Praveen’s ordeal began when he found imaginary parents’ names in his certificates and Aadhaar card. The names Munna Ekka and Kan Ekka were recorded as his father and mother in his certificates, but when his Aadhaar card was made, P. K. Senapati, the superintendent of the institution, was recorded as his father.
He alleged that the discrepancies between his certificates and Aadhaar card deprived him of government assistance meant for orphans and persons with disabilities. Praveen has a hearing disability and was denied admission to pursue Plus Two at Sundargarh Government College after matriculation.
The OHRC’s intervention has brought hope to Praveen, who has been struggling to correct his records. Human rights activist Biswapriya Kanungo has termed the issue as a serious human rights concern and has called for the Women and Child Welfare Department to direct all childcare institutions to identify similar cases.
The case highlights the need for accurate recording of personal details in official documents, especially for children raised in childcare institutions. As society moves increasingly towards digital records, discrepancies in educational and other personal documents can jeopardize a person’s future.
