Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Parents’ Federation (OPF) has expressed serious concern over recurring safety lapses in Tribal Residential Welfare (TRW) schools across the state, particularly affecting girl students. In a letter to ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary B Parameswaran, the Federation urged urgent intervention to prevent further incidents of abuse and negligence.
The letter, written by OPF president Basudev Bhatt, cited disturbing cases of pregnancies and sexual abuse involving minor girls in state-run tribal schools. One recent case in Chitrakonda, Malkangiri (Feb 2025) involved a 15-year-old girl who delivered a premature baby on the hostel rooftop shortly after her board exams. Officials reportedly failed to detect her pregnancy for eight months, pointing to severe supervision lapses. The headmaster, hostel matron, and a nurse were suspended, and a case was filed under the POCSO Act.
Another incident in Rayagada, where a minor girl became pregnant, has once again raised questions over hostel safety and monitoring. Government data shows 21 pregnancy cases and 16 sexual abuse cases in TRW schools since 2010. “Our daughters are not safe in these hostels. These are not isolated incidents but signs of a broken system,” said Bhatt. The Federation has accused the department of ignoring scheduled grievance redressal meetings, including one September 1, calling it an “unfortunate attempt to avoid discussion.”
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Among its demands, the Federation has urged the state government to immediately convene a stakeholder meeting, enforce CCTV surveillance, appoint female wardens, conduct regular health screenings, and establish confidential student grievance mechanisms. It also called for mandatory training for staff on the POCSO Act and stricter accountability protocols.
The OPF stated that it seeks no personal gain but is committed to protecting the safety and dignity of marginalised SC and ST girl students. It has requested a written response and meeting with the Commissioner within two weeks to discuss a concrete action plan. With public outrage mounting, the state government faces rising pressure to take decisive action to safeguard students in residential schools.
