A shocking incident in Kandhamal district of Odisha has raised serious concerns over the safety of children in residential schools. Eight students of a state-run welfare residential school suffered eye injuries after a group of hostelmates allegedly applied Fevikwik adhesive to their eyes while they were asleep in the hostel dormitory. The incident took place at the Sevashram Welfare Residential School in Salaguda, Phiringia block, and has since sparked outrage among parents and the local community.

The Incident

According to officials, the victims—students of Classes 4 and 5, aged around 12 years—were fast asleep in their hostel room when the adhesive was applied to their eyes. The boys woke up in severe pain and were rushed for immediate medical treatment.

They were first taken to the Gochhapada Primary Health Centre and later referred to the district headquarters hospital in Phulbani. Doctors confirmed that while the injuries were painful, they were assessed as minor, and timely intervention prevented long-term or permanent vision damage. Out of the eight, one boy was discharged quickly, while the other seven were kept under medical observation.

Administrative Action

The gravity of the incident led to swift administrative action. The headmaster, Manoranjan Sahu, was suspended pending further investigation. The district administration has also constituted an official inquiry to determine how the adhesive came into the possession of students and whether negligence on the part of hostel authorities contributed to the incident.

The inquiry will specifically examine:

• Lapses in night-time supervision by hostel wardens and staff.
• How a potentially harmful substance like adhesive entered or remained accessible inside the hostel.
• The accountability of school authorities in ensuring the protection of children under their care.

Community and Parents’ Reactions

Parents of the injured students have expressed deep anguish and demanded strict punitive measures against those found responsible. Many questioned the lack of adequate monitoring within the hostel, particularly during the night. Community leaders echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that welfare residential schools are meant to provide both education and safety to underprivileged children, especially from tribal backgrounds.

The District Collector assured parents that strict action would be taken following the inquiry and that stronger safety protocols would be implemented in hostels across the region.

Wider Concerns

This incident has highlighted broader issues surrounding the management of residential schools in tribal and rural areas. Questions are being raised about:

• Safety protocols and their enforcement.
• Adequacy of trained hostel staff and wardens to monitor children.
• Availability of counseling and disciplinary frameworks to handle pranks or mischief before they escalate into harmful situations.
• The need for stricter regulation on the availability of hazardous substances within hostel premises.

Education and child welfare experts argue that while such schools play a vital role in providing education to underprivileged children, lapses in basic safety and supervision can undermine trust in the system.