Bhubaneswar, Aug 18 (IANS): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the Odisha government to pay a compensation of Rs.3 lakh to the family of a minor girl who died in a school mishap last year, a petitioner said Monday.

Acting on a complaint filed by activist Prabir Kumar Das, the NHRC observed that the girl was injured in a classroom of a government school.

The NHRC has directed the chief secretary of Odisha to pay Rs.3 lakh to the kin of the girl and submit proof of the payment within six weeks, Das told IANS.

"The death of the girl had caused irreparable loss to her family for which the state must bear liability," the NHRC said.

Das had filed a complaint before the NHRC that Class 2 student Soni Pradhan suffered critical injuries after being crushed under a big almirah which fell on her in the classroom at Uttarhana village in Puri district July 29, 2013.

She died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Das said the death of the seven-year-old girl took place due to sheer negligence of school authorities.

"The girl was under the care and custody of the government school when she was in the classroom. The accident could have been averted if the teachers were vigilant. The death of the girl caused irreparable loss to her family," Das said.

Das had demanded a compensation of Rs.5 lakh for the girl's family. He had also requested the NHRC to direct the state government to order a free and fair enquiry and ensure that no such tragedy happens in future.