Residential school shame: Children commission members meet minor girl

Berhampur: Members of the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (OSCPCR) today met the minor girl, who had delivered a baby at a residential school in Kandhamal.

According to sources, the members of OSCPCR along with the chairperson, Sandhyabati Pradhan visited the MKCG hospital today and enquired about the health condition of the minor girl.

According to sources, Pradhan held discussions with the girl and demanded stringent actions against the culprits involved in the incident.

“The health condition of the girl is improving and she will be released from the hospital soon. She is saying that she will continue her studies as her exam is approaching,” Pradhan said.

“The Kandhamal district collector has taken necessary action against the persons involved and after we submit a report in this regard further action will be taken,” she further added.

The class-VIII girl delivered a baby at the hostel of a residential school in Daringbadi in Kandhamal on Sunday. After the matter came to light, it has triggered massive public outrage.

After the incident came to light, the headmistress of the school, Radharani Dalai was suspended by the state government based on the recommendation of the Kandhamal district collector. Moreover, three assistant superintendents of the hostel were suspended, while one health worker (ANM) and two matrons were dismissed in connection with the incident.

In the meantime however, the newborn died at the MKCG Medical College and Hospital yesterday.