SC and ST Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Minister lal Bihari Himirika on Friday informed the Assembly that five minor girl students have became mothers at different schools managed by his department in last three years in the State. The Minister, replying to a query of MlA Dilip Ray, said action has been taken against 10 persons, including hostel wardens and school headmasters in this connection. Two Class VI students, two Class VIII and one Class X students have become mothers in schools, the Minister stated.
The students who were mothered are Sarita Minj (Class VI) of Bhogara Sevashram in Kutura in Sundargarh district, Suranjita Pujari (Class VI) of Umri Ashram School in Jeypore in Koraput district, Kumari Ganei (Class VIII) of Kanjipani Girls High School in Keonjhar, Kumari Pan Santa (Class VIII) of Gupteswar High School, Kendulibeda in Korput district and Diptimayee Pradhan (Class X) of lingagada High School in Kandhamal district, he informed. The Minister disclosed the House that while around 4, 35,970 students are studying in 1,670 schools managed by the SC and ST Development Department, as many as 3, 99,559 students are staying in hostels. The Minister further informed the House that 890 posts of teachers are lying vacant in 1,670 schools against a sanctioned strength of 6,040.