Paralakhemundi: The Gajapati district administration on Tuesday sealed an unauthorised private girls’ hostel in Mohana block and rescued 72 inmates after finding the institution was operating in violation of government norms and allegedly exposing the children to unsafe conditions, officials said.
The hostel, identified as “Happy Child Home” at Rangamatia village, had allegedly been functioning illegally for several years despite repeated notices issued by the district administration, they said.
Acting on the alleged non-compliance, a joint team comprising officials of the District Child Protection Unit, Child Welfare Committee, Social Welfare Department, Education Department and Police conducted a raid at the premises in the presence of the Mohana Tahsildar-cum-Executive Magistrate before sealing the institution.
Officials said the action was taken in accordance with legal provisions, with the safety and welfare of the children being the primary consideration.
The hostel management, however, maintained that it had been providing shelter and education to the children for many years and expressed reservations over the administration’s decision.
District Child Protection Officer Arun Kumar Tripathy said all 72 rescued girls would be shifted to safe locations as per the directions of the District Child Welfare Committee.
He said the administration would ensure that the children’s education, accommodation, care and safety are not affected.
Among those present during the operation were Mohana Tahsildar Chakradhar Padhi, District Women Protection Officer Sarala Patra, District Child Protection Officer Arun Kumar Tripathy, District Education Officer Mayadhar Sahu, District Social Welfare Officer Solomon Raika, Child Welfare Officer Amiya Tripathy, Sunita Rath, Manoj Sabat, and personnel from Mohana and Adaba police.
