Debabrata.MohapatraBhubaneswar: The Odisha human rights commission (OHRC) has sought a detailed report from the state govt on whether traditional and regionally preferred foods such as ragi, other millets, edible roots, tubers, traditional pulses and leafy vegetables can be included in the diet of tribal prisoners.The commission’s intervention came on a petition filed by advocate and human rights defender Biswapriya Kanungo, who urged authorities to introduce locally consumed foods in prisons located in tribal-dominated areas.Kanungo contended that many inmates belonging to scheduled tribe communities have distinct dietary habits rooted in local agriculture and forest produce, and that some prisoners in tribal areas allegedly skip the prescribed morning meal because it does not align with their traditional food practices.“I am not demanding luxury food or any special entitlement based on tribal identity. The prison dietary system should, however, consider nutritional requirements, local food availability, and the customary dietary practices of the regions where prisons are located, especially in scheduled areas, within the existing nutritional framework,” Kanungo said.Taking cognisance of the complaint, the OHRC noted that prisoners retain their right to life with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution, which includes access to adequate and nutritious food.However, the commission clarified that it has not reached any conclusion on the merits of the allegations and that questions relating to the health impact of prison diets and the feasibility of incorporating local foods require factual verification.The commission has directed the home department and the director general of prisons and correctional services to submit a report by Dec 4 on the existing prison diet scale, nutritional standards and calorie intake, the number of tribal inmates in prisons serving scheduled areas, and the extent to which local foods such as millets, roots, tubers and leafy vegetables are currently part of prison menus.“The commission has also sought details on whether any prisoners have declined meals due to traditional food preferences and whether the state is considering the inclusion of such local foods within prescribed nutritional norms,” the order issued on Oct 29 by OHRC chairperson justice S Pujahari stated.