13-Year-Old Student Gives Birth While Living in Kasturba Gandhi Hostel, Administration in Shock

Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), Jan 31: A minor student residing in the Kasturba Gandhi Girls’ Hostel in Balaghat has given birth to a baby girl at just 13 and a half years of age, raising serious questions about the supervision and health monitoring systems in government residential hostels for girls.

The incident caused a stir in the maternity ward of the district hospital, where the young student was admitted. Reports suggest that the hostel management had ignored prolonged changes in the girl’s health, highlighting a grave lapse in the system meant to ensure the safety and well-being of minor students.

How the Case Came to Light:
The hospital alerted the local police, following which the Mahila Thana (women’s police station) took immediate action and handed over the case to Garhi Police Station for further investigation. A minor accused has been taken into custody and will be presented before the Juvenile Justice Court. Kiran Varkade, in-charge of Mahila Thana, confirmed that legal proceedings began as soon as the information was received, with detailed investigations now underway.

Location and Administrative Response:
The case is linked to the Kasturba Gandhi Girls’ Hostel in Parsamau, Baihar Block, where the student was enrolled in 8th grade. Shakuntala Damor, Assistant Commissioner of Tribal Welfare, suspended the hostel warden, Chainbati Saiyam, citing negligence. The official order stated that the student’s health changes were not taken seriously and no timely health check-ups were conducted.

Admission of Lapses:
G.P. Barman, DPC of the District Education Centre, acknowledged lapses on the part of the hostel warden and the associated ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife). The student reportedly had frequent absences from the hostel and had been unwell for some time, but the management neither conducted regular health examinations nor maintained proper communication with her guardians.

Student’s Statement:
In her statement to the police, the student revealed that she had contact with a person from her village. Based on her testimony, the police are investigating the matter seriously.

This shocking case has raised serious concerns about the safety, health monitoring, and administrative responsibility in residential hostels for minor girls. Authorities have stated that departmental and legal action against the responsible personnel will continue to ensure such negligence is not repeated in the future.