Two Class 10 Students Found Pregnant in Odisha’s Kandhamal

Quick Summary:

• Two Class X girls in Kandhamal district, Odisha, were confirmed pregnant after returning to a State-run residential school post-summer vacation.
• The District welfare Officer filed a police complaint requesting an inquiry into the matter.
• Medical tests for girls in such schools are routinely conducted upon return from holidays; unusual symptoms led staff to confirm pregnancy at a hospital.
• Concerns regarding sexual assault in tribal girl residential schools have been documented extensively:

– Between 2018 and 2023, 22 tribal girl students reportedly faced sexual assault across these institutions; 12 gave birth during this period.
– in total, allegations of sexual abuse were substantiated in past studies covering incidents from five districts between 2011-2016. Accused individuals included teachers and headmasters.

• Odisha operates over 1,700 residential schools under the ST & SC Development Department serving tribal students-188 of which are designated specifically for girls.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The confirmation of pregnancies among adolescent students raises important concerns about safeguarding measures within State-run educational institutions catering to vulnerable populations like tribal communities. Despite preventive interventions introduced after documented cases of abuse-including health check-ups for girls post-vacation-the recurring nature of such incidents underscores systemic gaps.

The scope extends beyond individual accountability (e.g., teaching/non-teaching staff) to institutional duty for providing a safe environment. regular audits and strengthened mechanisms for oversight might mitigate risks but require sustained monitoring embedded within policy frameworks. Furthermore, psychological support and rehabilitation pathways could be essential components alongside legal remedies.

This situation highlights broader challenges linked with access to education among marginalized groups-where ensuring safety becomes as fundamental as providing literacy opportunities. Addressing these vulnerabilities holistically may prove pivotal not only for affected individuals but also for India’s ongoing efforts toward inclusive development.

Read more: The Hindu