A team of the Odisha BJP Mahila Morcha led by its president Simantini Jena on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the National Human Rights Commission, National Commission for Women and the Scheduled Caste Commission in New Delhi seeking their intervention in minor motherhood incidents in the State in recent months.
Other team members were Morcha vice-present Surama Padhi, general secretary Pratima Mishra, Sabita Nanda and Purnima Kerketa. The team demanded that the commissions take stringent action against the accused involved in sexual abuse and minor motherhood incidents occurred in Adivasi girls’ hostels in the State.
They also informed that most of the 1,670 schools running under the SC and ST Development Department are running short of residential facility, provision of quality food, proper sanitation and proper healthcare system. More than half of the 4.35 lakh students studying in these schools are girls and they are generally staing in boys’ hostels.
They said they have also collected proofs against teachers and other school staffs who have sexually abused girls.
While the State Government has admitted tat 17 minor girls have become mother, yet many such cases have not come to the fore. These incidents are occurring in Koraput, Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Sundargarh and Malkangiri districts.
“If stringent actions are not taken against the culprits, such incidents will rise. Besides, steps to be taken to provide protection to the victims and newborn children,” the memorandum mentioned.