In a shocking turn of events, a Class 10 student from a government-run tribal school in Odisha’s Malkangiri district delivered a baby boy on Monday evening, merely hours after completing her board exams. Despite being pregnant for months, she continued attending classes and writing tests, unnoticed by school authorities.

Her father was contacted only after the childbirth, leaving him baffled as to how routine medical check-ups failed to identify her condition. The hostel warden has come under scrutiny, while law enforcement and the District Welfare Officer have launched an investigation into the matter.

A Disturbing Pattern

Similar incidents have emerged in Odisha’s tribal residential schools over the years. Records indicate that between 2010 and 2015, 16 students in such hostels became pregnant. Another five cases surfaced between 2015 and 2022. These occurrences raise concerns about inadequate supervision and potential exploitation.

To address the issue, the government has stationed matrons, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs), and female staff members, ensuring no male personnel enter the hostel without a female escort. CCTV cameras have also been installed at key locations, such as entrances and washrooms.

However, a 2021 audit exposed major lapses in hostel safety, with nearly 70% lacking boundary walls, making them vulnerable to abuse. Despite preventive measures, implementation remains inconsistent, allowing such distressing incidents to persist.