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Odisha: Pregnant Government Employee's Pleas Ignored, Loses Baby After Denied Leave
Odisha: Pregnant Government Employee's Pleas Ignored, Loses Baby After Denied Leave
In a heart-wrenching incident that has sparked outrage across Odisha, a 26-year-old pregnant government employee, Barsha Priyadarshini, tragically lost her unborn child after allegedly being denied urgent medical leave while at work. The incident, which has raised serious concerns about workplace ethics and employee welfare, has now prompted state authorities to launch an investigation into the claims of mistreatment and negligence.
The incident, which took place on October 25, has drawn significant attention since Barsha Priyadarshini publicly shared her ordeal with the media. Employed with the Women and Child Development Department in the Derabish block of Odisha’s Kendrapara district, Priyadarshini was reportedly in her seventh month of pregnancy when she began experiencing intense labor pains at her workplace. According to her, she immediately requested assistance from her colleagues and supervisor, Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Snehalata Sahoo, asking to be taken to the hospital. However, her pleas were allegedly ignored, with Priyadarshini claiming that Sahoo and other officials dismissed her requests, leaving her to endure the pain without any support.
As her condition worsened, Priyadarshini’s family members eventually arrived and rushed her to a private hospital in Kendrapara. It was there that an ultrasound revealed the heartbreaking news: her unborn child had died. Devastated, Priyadarshini filed a complaint with the district collector, blaming the CDPO’s “mental harassment and gross negligence” for the loss of her child. She demanded strict action against Sahoo for her role in the incident.
In response to the allegations, Kendrapara’s Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Nilu Mohapatra, confirmed that the district administration had received Priyadarshini’s complaint. He stated that an investigation was underway, with instructions given to the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Manorama Swain, to submit a comprehensive report on the matter. Expressing concern over the situation, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce her involvement, sharing that she had discussed the incident with the Kendrapara district collector and directed an expedited investigation to ensure accountability.
CDPO Snehalata Sahoo, who faces serious allegations from Priyadarshini, claimed she was unaware of her subordinate’s distress at the time, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation. DSWO Swain stated that a committee would be established to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the incident and deliver a report to the concerned authorities.
This tragic case has ignited discussions regarding employee welfare, particularly for women who often struggle with issues of inadequate support and sensitivity in the workplace. The ongoing investigation may bring greater scrutiny to the management of state employees’ rights and workplace ethics.
Key Points:
- Barsha Priyadarshini, a 26-year-old government employee in Odisha, lost her unborn child after allegedly being denied leave while in severe labor pain.
- The incident took place on October 25 in Kendrapara’s Derabish block and was brought to public attention after Priyadarshini spoke with the media.
- Priyadarshini filed a formal complaint, accusing CDPO Snehalata Sahoo of negligence and harassment, and demanded accountability.
- The district administration has launched an investigation, with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and ADM Nilu Mohapatra calling for a detailed report.
- CDPO Snehalata Sahoo has denied awareness of Priyadarshini’s distress, and a committee will further investigate the incident.
