For many girls studying in residential schools in Odisha’s tribal regions, the back-to-school routine after an extended winter break comes with a twist — they are likely to undergo medical check-ups, which not only assess their general health, but also include undisclosed screenings, reflecting an unwritten but established protocol.
Having reviewed the troubling history of sexual abuse against girls in the State’s residential schools, a government-run research institute recommended in 2018 that regular health check-ups, with pregnancy tests for girls, be conducted immediately after the vacation. This was despite the fact that its own study revealed that a significant number of cases of sexual abuse occurred during the school terms, although there were also some cases of abuse occurring in their home communities. At least 13 headmasters and 4 teachers were accused in the 29 cases reviewed in the study, with the State government callously reinstating one such headmaster accused of abuse.
“Many girls who study in residential schools are first generation learners. Steps should be taken to ensure their safety on school campuses and outside. Sexual abuse is a curse which will adversely impact the effort to mainstream tribals,” said Anil Pradhan, convenor of the Odisha Right To Education Forum.
