School, hostel raided by administration in Berhampur

Berhampur: On the backdrop of allegations of sexual harassment against a shelter home in Dhenkanal; the administration is carrying out raids at various places to ensure safety and security of school children and hostel inmates. A joint team of the Ganjam district administration and Child Protection Committee today conducted a raid at Harabino School located in Hillpatna area of Berhampur.

During the raid, the officials inspected the school and hostel and issued an order to immediately shut down the school. Due to the presence of large number of inmates, school authorities have been given 2 months' time to vacate the hostel.

While the hostel was being run without permission, students staying at the hostel alleged that they are not even getting basic facilities. "Inmates complained that they are not getting proper care at the hostel. Two months' time has been given to the authorities to vacate the school and hostel," district child protection committee official, Sarat Chandra Maharana said.

"We were never asked by the government to get the school and the hostel registered. After the notification on Juvenile Justice Act, they should ask us for registration. We had requested them to give us time till March 31 so that the examinations get over," Executive director of Harbino school, Jyotsna Rani Patra said.