Conduct inquiry of all institutions housing tribal children: Child rights body to Odisha

New Delhi: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) asked on Monday Odisha government to conduct an inquiry of all institutions in the state housing tribal children. The move by the child rights body came after few cases of sexual assaults of minors reported from residential schools.

Sources said the NCPCR wrote a letter to state chief secretary expressing anguished over the recent cases of sexual assault of minors in residential schools in various districts of the state.

"Recently, a few cases of sexual assault of minors in residential schools of various districts of Odisha such as Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Dhenkanal and Jajpur have been highlighted through media reports. Such regular episodes of abuse create a sense of doubt about well being of the children living at distance from their families," NCPCR mentioned in its letter to Odisha government.

The child rights body further added that the Commission viewed it as a great matter of concern which required their special attention.

"We request you to conduct an inquiry of all institutions housing tribal children in the State to ensure a fear-free place of living for children," the letter said. The Commission also suggested the Odisha government do the needful for awareness on POCSO Act and sensitization of children, parents, teachers, police and staff dealing with children on child sexual abuse especially in rural, tribal belts of the State.

The commission also asked the state government to submit a report of the same within 30 days. Meanwhile, Yashwant Jain, a member NCPCR, told the Millennium Post that this is a very serious issue and the Commission will take proper action in the incidents.

Last year, the child rights body conducted an on-spot inspection of the condition in which the children were being kept at the shelter homes in different parts of the country including Odisha.