Bhubaneswar, July 26 -- Expressing deep concern over the disconcerting trend of pregnancies among tribal and Dalit girls in government-managed residential schools, the opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Saturday sought the intervention the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes alleging that the sexual exploitation and pregnancy of minor girls in ST & SC Development (SSD) Department Hostels in Odisha, is a 'systemic failure'.
Citing four recent instances of inmates of hostels found to be pregnant, the party said "These incidents are not only shocking but point toward systemic failure, gross administrative negligence, and criminal oversight in ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of young tribal girls under state care".
"These h...