Bhubaneswar, Sep 25: At least 24 minor girls became pregnant while residing in girls’ hostels attached to schools under Odisha’s School and Mass Education Department over the last two academic years, Minister Nityananda Gond informed the State Assembly on Friday.

In a written reply to a question raised by Congress MLA and former minister Tara Prasad Bahinipati, the minister said nine such cases were reported during 2024-25, while 15 cases came to light during 2025-26.

Of the nine cases recorded in 2024-25, Baleshwar, Debagarh, Keonjhar, Koraput, Malkangiri and Mayurbhanj reported one case each. Rayagada accounted for three cases during the period.

The number increased to 15 in 2025-26, with Kandhamal reporting the highest number at five, followed by Koraput with four cases. One case each was reported from Debagarh, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada and Sundargarh, according to the minister’s reply.

Gond informed the House that action had been initiated against persons accused in the cases. While some of the accused were arrested, First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered in other cases, he said.

The School and Mass Education Department is responsible for managing various residential educational facilities, including girls’ hostels, with provisions for monitoring student welfare and safety.

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