So, the Odisha government just revealed that 26 students from the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories have passed away in state-run hostels over the last eight months. Out of these, six students sadly took their own lives, while 20 others faced various health issues and didn’t make it despite getting hospital care.

This shocking news came out during an Odisha Assembly session on Friday, where Minister Nityananda Gond was responding to a question from BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain.

This data has raised fresh concerns about student safety, living conditions in hostels, and the mental health resources available, leading people to call for a comprehensive investigation.

Rayagada Sees the Most Deaths

According to the minister, these 26 deaths occurred across 14 districts in Odisha, with Rayagada district having the highest number, recording seven deaths.

Here’s how the numbers break down by district:

Rayagada: 7 deaths

Koraput & Malkangiri: 3 deaths each

Sundargarh & Bargarh: 2 deaths each

Balangir, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Nuapada, and Subarnapur: 1 death each

While the government hasn’t detailed the specific causes of all the deaths, the confirmation that six were suicides really raises red flags about mental health services and living conditions in these hostels.

Odisha Has Over 5,800 Hostels for ST Students

The state operates 5,841 hostels under the ST & SC Development Department, providing accommodations for over 500,000 students. Among these, about 90% belong to the ST category and the remaining 10% are SC students.

Odisha also runs 1,762 government schools, where most students come from tribal communities. These residential hostels are supposed to offer a safe space for education and living for students from marginalized backgrounds.

However, the growing number of deaths and a troubling incident where a Class 10 girl gave birth in a government hostel in Malkangiri have sparked serious worries about student safety and the living arrangements.

Odisha's Mid-Day Meal Scheme Aids 41.75 Lakh Students

Mid-Day Meal Scheme Helps Countless Students

In another update from the Odisha Assembly, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond shared that 41,74,915 students from Class 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools are currently benefiting from the Prime Minister’s Poshan (Mid-Day Meal) Scheme.

This scheme plays a crucial role in providing nutritious meals to students, helping to reduce malnutrition and encourage school attendance among children from economically weaker sections.

Breakdown of Meal Costs

The meal cost per student under the scheme is as follows:

Primary students (Class 1 to 5): ₹7.64 per meal per student

Upper Primary students (Class 6 to 8): ₹10.94 per meal per student

These rates are fixed by the central government, while the Odisha government covers additional expenses to ensure students receive proper nutrition.

Plan to Extend Mid-Day Meal Scheme to Class 9 & 10

The Odisha government is now considering extending the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to Class 9 and 10 students. If implemented, the scheme will benefit an additional 10.8 lakh students.

However, this extension would require a budget allocation of ₹646.31 crore annually, which the state government is currently reviewing.

Concerns Over Student Welfare and Safety in Odisha Hostels

Urgent Need for Investigation and Reforms

The rising number of student deaths in government-run hostels has sparked public outcry, political criticism, and demands for urgent reforms. Experts believe that multiple factors, including:

Poor hostel infrastructure

Lack of mental health support

Inadequate medical facilities

Unsafe living conditions

… could be contributing to these tragic incidents.

Several activists and opposition leaders have called for a detailed inquiry into these deaths, especially the suicides, to determine if the hostel conditions or mismanagement played a role.

Opposition Attacks Government Over Student Deaths

Opposition parties, including Congress and BJP, have slammed the ruling BJD government, accusing it of failing to ensure student safety in hostels.

Congress leader Narasingha Mishra demanded that the government take immediate action and ensure better safety measures for hostel students. BJP leaders have also questioned the administration’s accountability, urging the government to set up an independent probe into the deaths.

Government Promises Action

In response to the mounting criticism, the Odisha government has assured that it is taking the issue seriously. Minister Gond stated that the administration will introduce stronger safety measures, improve hostel conditions, and provide better healthcare support for students.

However, critics argue that mere assurances are not enough—the government needs to take swift and concrete action to prevent further student deaths and ensure better living conditions in hostels.