Three Tribal Schoolgirls Found Pregnant During School Examinations in Chhattisgarh
RAIPUR: A disturbing incident has emerged from Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh, where three minor tribal schoolgirls were discovered to be pregnant when they appeared for their school examinations on Saturday. The revelation has triggered significant concern and prompted immediate action from local authorities.
Details of the Case and Official Statements
Officials confirmed that the pregnancies were identified through pregnancy cards prepared by field-level health department workers. All three girls are reported to be approximately over five months pregnant and are minors aged 17. According to information, the girls had ceased attending school for the past two to three months, and the matter came to light only when they showed up for the examinations.
Amid uproar in the state assembly and allegations of attempts to downplay the situation, Education Minister Gajendra Yadav and the district administration clarified that the girls were students of government schools but were not residing at government hostels at the time of conception. They emphasized that only one girl had previously been enrolled at a portacabin hostel but had left in October 2025.
Investigation Committee Formed and Police Involvement
In response to the incident, Bijapur Collector Sambit Mishra announced on Monday the formation of a district-level probe committee. This committee comprises the Additional District Magistrate, District Education Officer, Chief Health and Medical Officer, and Assistant Commissioner of the Tribal Department. Their mandate includes recording statements, visiting the girls' village, and submitting a detailed report later this week.
Bijapur SP Jitendra Yadav stated that based on the administration's report, a case will be lodged. A police team has also been dispatched to visit the village where the girls reside to gather further information.
Allegations and Community Context
Local MLA Vikram Mandavi alleged that the matter had been known for nearly five months, after which the girls were quietly removed from the institution and stopped attending school regularly. This claim has added to the controversy surrounding the handling of the case.
Locals noted that it is common in tribal regions for youths to couple up at an early age, and many such cases go unreported as they are accepted within the community. Officials acknowledged that the administration and concerned departments are working to spread awareness, though they admitted that social change would take time.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Efforts
The incident highlights critical issues related to child protection, education, and health in tribal areas. Authorities are under pressure to ensure a thorough investigation and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The probe committee's findings are eagerly awaited to provide clarity and guide further actions.
