Yadgir: In a shocking incident from Yadgir district, a Class 9 student of a government residential school in Shahapur gave birth to a baby boy inside the school’s washroom on Wednesday afternoon. The incident came to light on Thursday, sparking outrage among child rights activists and the local community over negligence by school authorities.
Baby delivered unnoticed
According to reports, neither the school staff nor the hostel warden noticed any signs of pregnancy in the 17-year-and-8-month-old student. School principal Basamma claimed that the girl had been absent for many days since June, citing headaches and illness. She resumed attending classes only from 5th August.
“We were shocked to know about the delivery. No symptoms of pregnancy were noticed earlier. I assumed office as principal just last month,” Basamma stated.
Child rights panel intervenes
Shashidhar Kosambe, a member of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), criticised the school for not immediately informing the commission and ordered an inquiry.
“The officials concerned did not bring it to our notice. We are filing a suo motu complaint against the school principal and staff. A detailed report has been sought from the district child protection officer,” Kosambe said.
He further confirmed that both the girl and her newborn were admitted to Shahapur Government Hospital and were in good health.
Parents remain unresponsive
According to the school principal, the parents of the student have remained unresponsive despite repeated attempts to contact them. Their silence has raised concerns about possible neglect or unreported circumstances leading to the pregnancy.
Safety and accountability under scrutiny
The incident has raised serious questions about student safety, monitoring, and medical checks in residential schools. Child rights activists argue that regular health examinations and proper counselling could have prevented the situation from escalating unnoticed.
The KSCPCR has directed authorities to take strict action against those found responsible and ensure that such lapses do not recur.
Conclusion
This case has highlighted glaring gaps in child welfare and monitoring mechanisms in residential schools. Authorities are expected to complete their inquiry and submit findings soon, while medical care for the student and her newborn continues at the government hospital.