BHUBANESWAR: The

(

) has taken suo-motu cognizance of media reports that 12 farmers committed suicide in 50 days in Bargarh district.

The rights watchdog has issued a notice to the chief secretary (AP Padhi) calling for a detailed report in the matter within four weeks, including the steps taken for relief and rehabilitation of the affected families, an NHRC release said.

Expressing serious concern over the incidents of suicides by farmers in Odisha, the panel observed that these indicate towards the grave situation amounting to violation of right to life of the poor victims and call for immediate measures on part of the state government.

The Commission has also observed that there have been a number of cases of suicides by the farmers and farm labourers, across the country, including in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. It has been taking cognizance of these matters and emphasizing upon the Centre as well as the state governments concerned to take immediate and effective steps, the NHRC release said.