As many as 16 girl students studying in Sevashram and Ashram schools running under the SC and ST Development Department have been subject to sexual assault in the last five years. In a written reply, SC &ST Development and Minority& Backward Classes Welfare Minister lal Behari Himirika informed this in the State Assembly on Friday. “According to complaints, eight of 16 victims were sexually-assaulted by teachers and rest by other persons and employees,” Himirika said.
He said five students staying in these schools have given birth to children after having illicit relationship with their close relations outside the schools. The State Government has taken many steps to stop such condemnable acts at these schools.
While the Headmaster/Pradhan Sevek have been given key operation responsibility for girls hostels, a lady teacher has been given charge of assistant manager. Similarly, Women cooks for every girls’ hostel and women security guards at some hostels have been appointed.
Besides, three guidelines, Safety and Security Guidelines, Mess Management Guidelines and School Hostel Monitoring Guidelines have been issued for safety and smooth running of the hostels. Similarly, District Collectors, DRDA PDs, ITDA PAs, Sub-Collectors, Inspector of Schools, DWO and DI of Schools have been asked to visit these schools at regular intervals. Such initiatives have also been taken for boys hostels running under the department, Himirika said.