Pune: Alleged Pregnancy Tests on Tribal Hostel Girls Trigger Outrage; Women’s Commission Orders Probe

Ghodegaon, 28th August 2025: In a disturbing revelation from Ghodegaon in Ambegaon taluka, allegations have surfaced that girl students at a government-run tribal hostel were subjected to mandatory pregnancy tests, without informing their parents. The claims, which emerged through media reports, have triggered a storm of outrage, forcing the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission to intervene. The Commission has instructed the Integrated Tribal Project Office in Ghodegaon to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a clarification at the earliest.

Adding to the shock, unverified reports suggest that several girls tested positive, raising serious questions about safety, monitoring, and systemic negligence within such hostels.

This is not the first time the Ghodegaon hostel has come under the scanner. For years, complaints have piled up, from poor quality food to lack of healthcare and administrative apathy. Despite significant government funding, the hostel has been dogged by allegations of mismanagement and irregularities.

Activists say the latest incident exposes deep-rooted failures. “Unless strict political and administrative accountability is fixed, such exploitation of tribal girls will continue,” social workers warned.

However, officials have rejected the allegations. Project Officer Pradeep Desai categorically denied that any pregnancy tests were conducted. “There is no government resolution mandating urine pregnancy tests during hostel admissions. Only routine health check-ups by medical officers are carried out. Neither I nor my staff have ordered such tests, orally or in writing,” Desai clarified.

He further insisted that during his routine inspections across hostels, no girl has ever filed a written complaint on the matter. “Still, we are committed to a fair inquiry. If anyone is found guilty, accountability will be fixed and strict action will follow,” he assured.

For now, the Women’s Commission has sought an urgent report, and the investigation is underway. The outcome will determine whether this is a case of gross misconduct or a serious misunderstanding.