Phulbani: Days after a Class IX student from a Government Girls High School delivered a baby in Phiringia block of Odisha's Kandhamal district, the administration has taken a series of disciplinary measures against those found negligent in duty.

Taking serious cognizance of the matter, the District Collector has suspended school health officer Truptimayee Pradhan for dereliction of duty. Hostel warden Ringima Pradhan has been transferred. Along with her, five teachers associated with hostel management—Radharani Ganthia, Sakuntala Swain, S.P. Priyadarshini, Sasmita Das, and Kalyani Kahat - too have been transferred for lapses in supervision.

Further tightening accountability, the Collector has also written to the competent authority recommending the transfer of Headmaster Ranjan Kumar Padhee, citing administrative responsibility.

Minor was found 8 months pregnant last month

The teenager, who was studying at PM Shri SSD school at Nedipadar and staying in the hostel, had delivered a baby boy at her home on March 1. She was nearly eight months pregnant at the time of delivery. Reports had revealed that the girl had engaged in sexual relations with a youth when she had come home for holidays last year. She had resumed school and carried on with studies as usual. Last month, when her pregnancy was detected at an advanced stage, the headmaster had summoned her parents and asked them to take her home. 

Her family had later raised questions on how the pregnancy went unnoticed by hostel authorities and school management despite staying in the hostel, raising serious questions over supervision and safety mechanisms. They had subsequently filed a formal complaint with Gochapada police, bringing the matter to the notice of authorities. 

The incident has triggered concern over the safety, monitoring, and welfare of minor girls residing in government-run hostels in the district. Authorities have assured a thorough inquiry and necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Also read: Odisha: Class X student delivers baby; second instance in the State within week