Two separate incidents of teenage pregnancy have come to light in Odisha’s Kandhamal and Mayurbhanj districts, raising fresh concerns over the safety and monitoring mechanisms in government-run residential schools.
The two minor girls—a Class X and a Class VIII student—were found to be pregnant following medical examinations after the summer break.
Mayurbhanj Incident
In Bangiriposi block of Mayurbhanj, a Class VIII girl from a Sevashram hostel complained of illness on Saturday. She was taken to the Bangiriposi Community Health Centre, where doctors confirmed she was nearly two months pregnant.
Upon questioning, the student allegedly confessed to having a consensual relationship with a minor boy from her village during her vacation. Following this, her mother filed an official complaint at Bangiriposi Police Station. Authorities have begun questioning the accused, and further inquiry is underway.
Kandhamal Incident
In another case at a government SC Development Department residential school in Kandhamal, hostel staff noticed that a Class X girl had not collected her sanitary napkins after summer vacation. Suspecting irregularities, they arranged a medical check-up, which confirmed her pregnancy.
The school immediately notified the girl’s family and registered a complaint at Tumudibandha Police Station. Investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Rising Concerns Over Minor Safety
In both cases, the families stated that they were unaware of the pregnancies until informed by school authorities. The twin incidents have triggered debates about child protection policies and accountability mechanisms in residential educational institutions, especially those catering to tribal and rural students.
Social welfare groups and child rights activists have demanded a comprehensive audit of safety protocols, counseling provisions, and supervision standards at state-run hostels.
