RIGHTS OF THE VULNERABLE 6.7 In a proceeding dated 21 August 2000, the Commission noted with satisfaction the implementation of its directions/recommendations regarding (a) the enumeration of casualties and the disbursement of ex-gratia payments; (b) the enumeration of widows, destitute senior citizens, orphans and their rehabilitation; (c) . the disbursement of house-building grants; (d) the repair of primary school buildings and health institutions; (e) the initiation of action for construction of cyclone shelters; and (f) the allotment of Indira Awaz Yojana houses. 6.8 The Commission observed, however, that follow-up action had been slow in respect of (a) the commencement of the ICDS projects already sanctioned by the Govermnent of India; (b) the grant of mandatory compensation to fisherman families for the loss/damage of boats and nets; and (c) the establishment of Ham Radio clubs. 6.9 While the Commission was satisfied with the probe into the allegations of professional lapses on the part of some District Collectors and the Chief Executive Officer of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation, it felt that the probe into the allegations about the delay in the opening of the gates of three irrigation projects should have been more extensive. The Commission noted, with some reservation, the findings of the Expert Committee leading to the suspension of a petty Junior Engineer without ascertaining and fixing responsibility on any of the higher authorities. The Commission observed that it was hard to believe that a Junior Engineer was the sole or the highest authority involved in a serious matter of this kind. The Commission therefore indicated its expectation that the issue would be examined more closely with a view to arriving at a complete finding which would identify all of the authorities responsible for the failure/negligence, and result in appropriate deterrent action being taken to avoid the recurrence of such lapses in future. 6.10 The Commission commended the work done by UNICEF in running the Child Laboiu: Prevention Centres in sue of the affected districts. Further, after considering the district-wise reports of its Special Rapporteur, the Commission placed on record its appreciation of the sincerity, dedication and commitment displayed by the following District Collectors in organising and executing the relief and rehabilitation work in their respective districts: Shri P. K. Mohapatra, IAS, Collector, Piui; Shri P. K. Jena, IAS, Collector, Cuttack; Shri Sarbeswar Mohanty, IAS, Collector, Jagatsinghpur; Shri B. C. Swain, IAS, Collector, Kendrapara; Shri Ashwini Kumar, IAS, Collector, Balasore. ANNUAL REPORT 2000-2001 '■ 57