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New Delhi, January 30: Taking suo moto cognizance of media reports on sexual exploitation of minor girls in residential schools, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Wednesday directed the Chief Secretary to conduct an enquiry into the matter.
In a letter, the NCPCR has asked the chief secretary to conduct an enquiry of all institutions housing tribal children in the state to ensure a safe place of living for children and submit a report within 30 days. “We at the Commission are anguished over the recent cases of sexual assault of minors in residential schools in various districts of Odisha. Recently, a few cases of sexual assault of minors in residential schools of various districts such as Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Dhenkanal and Jajpur have been highlighted through media reports,” the letter reads.
“Such regular episodes of abuse create a sense of doubt about the well-being of the children living away from their families. The commission views it as a great matter of concern which requires special attention,” the letter adds. The commission has also instructed the state government to take steps to spread awareness about the POCSO act.
