BERHAMPUR: The Gajapati administration on Tuesday closed a private girls’ hostel at Rangamatia village under Mohana block for allegedly violating government regulations and compromising the safety of children.
Officials said the orphanage, Happy Child Home, had been operating for several years without complying with mandatory government norms and was housing children in an unsafe environment. At least 72 girls were rescued from the facility during a joint enforcement effort conducted in the presence of Mohana tehsildar and executive magistrate Chakradhar Padhi.
Authorities said multiple notices had earlier been issued to the hotel’s management, directing it to rectify the violations. However, since management allegedly did not comply, the administration has initiated legal action.
Child welfare officer Arun Kumar Tripathy said all the rescued girls will be rehabilitated as per the guidelines of the child welfare committee. He assured that their education, accommodation, care and general welfare will not be interrupted.
On the other hand, the management of the hostel defended its operation, claiming that it had been providing shelter and educational support to the children for many years.
The joint enforcement team consisted of officials from the district’s child protection unit, child welfare committee, education department and police.
The administration reiterated that strict action will continue against institutions that operate without proper registration or in violation of child protection and safety rules.
