(OT Webdesk)Two shocking cases of minor pregnancies have emerged from state-run residential schools in Odisha, triggering serious concern about the safety and monitoring standards within government education facilities.
In Mayurbhanj, a Class VIII girl from a Sevashram hostel was found pregnant after falling ill and undergoing a medical check-up at Bangiriposi CHC.
She admitted to a consensual relationship with a minor boy from her village during the school vacation. Her family has filed a formal complaint, and police have launched an investigation.
In Kandhamal, a Class X student from a SC Development Department hostel was confirmed pregnant after staff noted her absence from the sanitary napkin distribution post-break. The school promptly informed her family and registered a case with the Tumudibandha Police.
In both cases, the parents were unaware of the pregnancies prior to the intervention by school authorities. These incidents have reignited debates around child protection policies, especially in tribal and rural districts.
Activists are calling for urgent reforms in monitoring practices, improved counseling access, and periodic audits of hostel safety infrastructure.
