Bhubaneswar, July 26 (UNI) Expressing deep concern over the disconcerting trend of pregnancies among tribal and Dalit girls in government-managed residential schools, the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday sought the intervention the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes alleging that the sexual exploitation and pregnancy of minor girls in ST & SC Development (SSD) Department Hostels in Odisha, is a ‘systemic failure’.
Citing four recent instances of inmates of hostels found to be pregnant, the party said, “These incidents are not only shocking but point toward systemic failure, gross administrative negligence, and criminal oversight in ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of young tribal girls under state care”.
“These hostels, meant to ensure safe spaces, fostering education and empowerment, have tragically become environments of abuse and trauma,” BJD said in a petition to NCST.
Stating that these cases represent not isolated incidents, the regional party described it as a pattern of deep-rooted institutional failure and the lack of monitoring mechanisms in hostels meant for the Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.
Pointing out further that Odisha currently reports approximately 15 cases of rape per day, it said the disconcerting trend underscores an increasingly unsafe environment for women and girls, particularly those from vulnerable and marginalised communities.
“We believe this is not just a matter of policy failure — it is a humanitarian crisis demanding urgent national attention and institutional response. The safety and dignity of tribal and Dalit girls must be non-negotiable.
These students look to the state for protection, and we collectively bear the responsibility of upholding their rights and security”, BJD’s petition maintained.
The regional party said it wants the NCST to initiate an independent, high-level inquiry into all reported and unreported cases of sexual abuse in hostels managed by the ST & SC Development (SSD) Department across Odisha.
It is imperative that accountability is firmly established by identifying and taking action against negligent officials, hostel superintendents, wardens, and law enforcement personnel who failed in their duty of care, it added.
The principal Opposition party in the state further demanded immediate implementation of stringent protection measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras, routine medical examinations, access to psychological counselling, and deployment of female security staff in all ST/SC hostels.
Comprehensive support must be provided to the victims, encompassing medical, legal, and psychological assistance, while strictly safeguarding their identity and dignity, it added.
