The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has submitted a memorandum to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST), calling for immediate intervention in alarming cases of sexual harassment and pregnancies among minor tribal girls in ST and SC school hostels throughout Odisha.
The party is demanding a comprehensive investigation, strict action against responsible authorities, and significant reforms to ensure the safety and dignity of tribal students.
Recent events have highlighted a troubling pattern involving minor tribal girls residing in ST and SC school hostels managed by Odisha’s ST and SC Development (SSD) Department. For instance, on July 18, 2025, a minor girl at an SC and ST Welfare Department school hostel in Dukum village, Rayagada district, was found to be pregnant. Just two days later, on July 20, 2025, an eighth-grade tribal girl in an SSD school hostel under the jurisdiction of the Bangiriposhi police in Mayurbhanj district also discovered she was two months pregnant. On the same day, a tenth-grade minor girl in an SSD-run school hostel under the Tumudibandha police station in Kandhamal district confirmed her pregnancy after a medical examination. Most recently, on July 26, 2025, two tenth-grade minor girls residing in a Government Residential Girls’ High School hostel in Tumudibandha block, Kandhamal district, were also confirmed to be pregnant, raising serious concerns about systemic sexual abuse within these institutions.
In light of these incidents, the BJD has called for an independent, high-level investigation into both reported and unreported cases, insisting on strict accountability for negligent officials, including hostel wardens and law enforcement personnel. To enhance student safety, the party recommends increased security measures such as the installation of CCTV cameras, routine medical check-ups, access to counselling services, and the deployment of female security staff. Additionally, the memorandum seeks comprehensive support for victims, including medical, legal, and psychological assistance, as well as the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to oversee these cases and ensure justice.
The BJD has urged the NCST to recommend that the state government implement systemic policy reforms, which may include a thorough overhaul of the hostel monitoring framework, the establishment of effective grievance redressal cells, and regular surprise inspections to prevent future incidents.
The party emphasises that the safety and dignity of tribal students are of utmost importance and demands immediate action to protect their rights and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The memorandum was submitted by Media Coordinators Dr. Priyabrata Majhi and Dr. Lenin Mohanty.
