Minister for ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare, Nityananda Gond, disclosed this information in response to a query from senior BJD legislator Ranendra Pratap Swain. Gond stated that among the total deaths in the past eight months, six students had tragically ended their own lives within hostel premises, while the remaining 20 students died during treatment at various hospitals.
Rayagada District Records Highest Deaths
The deaths occurred across 14 districts, with Rayagada reporting the highest number at seven cases. The districts of Koraput and Malkangiri followed with three fatalities each. Meanwhile, Sundargarh and Bargarh each reported two deaths. Additionally, Bolangir, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Nuapada, and Subarnapur districts each recorded one death.Over 5 Lakh Students in Government Hostels
In a separate written statement, Minister Gond informed that 1,762 schools are currently operational under the ST & SC Development, Minorities & Backward Classes Welfare Department. About 90% of students enrolled in these schools are from Scheduled Tribes.He further revealed that the department operates 5,841 hostels, accommodating more than 5 lakh students. Approximately 90% of these students belong to the Scheduled Tribes, with the remaining 10% from Scheduled Castes.
Recent Incident Raises Concerns
The information comes amidst concerns raised by a recent incident in Malkangiri district, where a Class 10 girl gave birth to a baby at one of the department-run hostels.The revelations have drawn attention to the condition and management of these residential facilities, prompting calls for better monitoring and preventive measures to ensure student safety and welfare.
