NHRC seeks report from Odisha DGP over pregnancy of minors in SC/ST residential schools
Sunday, 27 June 2021 (22:06 IST)
Kendrapara: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought for Action Taken Report (ATR) from Odisha DGP on pregnancy of minor in various state-run SC /ST residential schools within four weeks.
The NHRC also directed the District Collector, Dhenkanal, Odisha to ensure the payment of seven lakhs to the victim of sexual violence.
Acting on petition and rejoinders filed by Social Activist Radhakanta Tripathy and the response from the State authorities, the NHRC passed the order.
Mr Tripathy in his complaint alleged that sexual exploitation of minor girls are continuing and some of the victims have been found pregnant 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, he urged the NHRC to ensure legal action against the wrong doers and heavy compensation with rehabilitation of the victims with preventive measures.
As per the 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.
It was alleged that during her stay at Jajpur, the younger brother of her sister-in- law who is also a minor had a physical relationship with her. The student after a medical checkup was found to be seven months pregnant.
In another incident, the headmaster of Government SSD Girls High School, Balda, Karoput Bidhu Bhuson Nayak had allegedly established physical relations with a tribal girl studying in class IX.
A criminal case has been registered and the head master was arrested and disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated.
Further necessary instructions have also been issued to the Collector, Koraput to take immediate disciplinary and criminal action against the Asst Hostel Superintendent and the Lady Matron of the Balada Girls High School.
The DLSA, Koraput has given an amount of Rs. 1,50,000 as interim compensation and Rs.10,000 - has been paid to the victim from Indian Red Cross Society.
Thereafter on the orders of Odisha Human Rights Commission an amount of Rs.3,75,000 has been paid to the victim and a pucca house in favour of the victim under IAY / Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana. (UNI)
