Employment Scam: 8 Odia Girls Trapped in Tamil Nadu, Families Seek Rescue

Cuttack, April 14: A shocking case of exploitation has emerged from Odisha’s Sohela block in Bargarh district, where young girls enrolled in a government skill‑development program were allegedly deceived and forced into employment outside the state.

The girls had joined a free tailoring training program in Cuttack, with promises of either returning home after completion or securing jobs in reputed companies.

However, after 45 days of training, they were forcibly sent to Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, without parental consent.

While one girl managed to return citing medical reasons, eight others remain confined, reporting mental harassment and denial of permission to return home.

Distressed parents have appealed to the Odisha government for immediate intervention.

Labour Department officer Sasmita Biswal confirmed that those unwilling to work can return, and the Employment Exchange has issued a letter to the recruiting institution.

Meanwhile, three villagers have already left for Tiruppur to bring the girls back safely.

This incident has raised serious concerns about the misuse of government skill‑development schemes and the vulnerability of rural youth to exploitation.