The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an Action-Taken Report (ATR) from the DGP of Odisha in cases related to minor pregnant students of various State run SC /ST residential schools within four weeks. The NHRC also directed the district Collector, Dhenkanal, Odisha to ensure the payment of Rs 7 lakh to a victim of sexual violence.
sActing on a petition and rejoinders filed by social activist and Supreme Court lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy and the response from the State authorities, the NHRC passed the order. Tripathy in his complaint alleged continuance of sexual exploitation of minor girls in various State - run SC /ST residential schools. Alleging failure, negligence and inaction of the State Government to act over the issue and crime committed against minor girls, Tripathy requested the NHRC to ensure legal action against the wrong doers and heavy compensation with rehabilitation of the victims with preventive measures.
As per an inquiry report submitted by the Collector, Dhenkanal, one ST girl student studying in Saptasajya Ashram School had gone home during summer vacations of May- June 2018. During her stay at Jajpur, the younger brother of her sister - in - law who is also a minor had physical relationship with her.
The student after medical check - up found to be seven months' pregnant. Cases of sexual exploitation and impregnating of minors, besides unwed motherhood are also rampant in Government schools of other districts like Koraput, Kandhamal etc. The NHRC sought for steps taken for rehabilitation of the newborn babies of the victim girls. In his rejoinder Tripathy contended that the precautionary and corrective measures with punitive actions taken against the accused were not satisfactory in the State.
The State authorities in the report stated that utmost priority to education of the SC /ST poor students who constitute nearly 40% of the State's population was given.
Through a network of 1,670 residential schools and 6,000 hostels, the Government provides free education, food, clothing and accommodation to nearly 6 lakh students between the ages of 5 and 18 years of whom 60 percent are girls.