KISS Plus 2 Student Death: Child protection activist levels serious allegations against institution

Amid the tragic death of Plus 2 Arts student of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences on Friday, which sent shockwaves in Odisha, Child Protection activist Benudhar Senapati has levelled serious allegations against the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), questioning the institution’s response to repeated student death incidents. He alleged that despite multiple complaints, the institute has not reflected on why such incidents continue to occur.

Claims of Pressure and Suppression

Senapati claimed that students at KISS are living under mental and physical pressure. Instead of identifying the root causes behind untoward incidents, he alleged that matters are being suppressed. He further stated that even after repeated incidents, proper investigations have not been conducted.

"Incidents are happening repeatedly in this institution. We have discussed this many times. Whether it's the educational environment or the fact that children's care and protection are not being secured, if they are being tortured there or if there are other problems, these need to be addressed. If the issues causing these incidents are addressed, then such events will not recur. However, we see in that institution that no matter what anyone says, they are not making any effort to change the situation," he said.

When I was in the CWC in 2017, the situation was the same. A large number of children were running away from there. They were repeatedly produced before the CWC. We issued notices multiple times, but none of their senior officials ever came to meet us for a discussion. It was a kind of adamant behavior on their part. Even during the inquiry, the same thing happened. Later, another senior official conducted an inquiry and gave them a clean chit. But they never wanted to address the complaints. If there is no toilet, one should be built. If children feel insecure, maybe a counselor is needed to help them. If any teacher is torturing the children, not letting them go out, or not providing communication facilities, causing them to feel lonely, then that environment needs to change," he added.

The authorities should investigate the circumstances properly and take action to prevent such things. Furthermore, the education department is responsible for running the institution. As for the tribal children staying there, the Tribal Ministry provides significant funding. Since the institution is under the Education Department, it is definitely the government's responsibility to oversee it, because human life is very valuable. They need to investigate what circumstances are leading to children killing other children or committing suicide. These issues must be addressed. It's not just the institution; the government should also take action. When such incidents happen repeatedly in an institution, we cannot just point a finger at the institution; we must also point a finger at the government. What is the government doing? Why is no action being taken?, said Child Protection Activist Benudhar Senapati.

Also Read: KISS Plus 2 student death: Villagers demand proper investigation

Reference to CWC Tenure

Highlighting his tenure with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), Senapati said he had personally witnessed incidents related to KISS. However, he alleged that no official from the institute appeared before the committee to present their side.

Call for Government Action

Senapati asserted that it is now necessary for the government to take action in the matter. Meanwhile, no reaction has been received from KISS authorities regarding the allegations.