The School and Mass Education Department of Odisha has initiated a formal inquiry following a distressing incident where student athletes returning from a national sporting event were forced to sit near toilets in a train's general compartment due to a lack of confirmed tickets.
A Harrowing Return Journey
The department had sent a contingent of 18 student athletes — 10 boys and 8 girls — from various schools across the state, accompanied by four teachers, to participate in the 69th National School Games in Uttar Pradesh. The event was held from December 8 to 12. The group departed from Bhubaneswar to Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, on December 5 and commenced their return journey on December 14.
However, what was meant to be a celebratory return after representing their state turned into an ordeal. The students and their teachers reported that their train tickets were not confirmed by the department authorities. While the onward journey was difficult with only four confirmed tickets, forcing adjustments on seats and the floor, the return was worse. None of the tickets for the return trip were confirmed.
Sympathy from a Fellow Sportsperson
Consequently, all 22 individuals had no choice but to occupy space near the toilets in the general compartment for the long journey from Uttar Pradesh to Hinjili in Ganjam district. Their plight was noticed by a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) at Hinjili station. The TTE, himself a former sportsperson, took sympathy on their condition. After inquiring about their situation, he arranged for them to have proper seats in different compartments for the remainder of the journey to Bhubaneswar.
Parents of the affected children have expressed severe anger and disappointment. Sanjeev Patnaik, a parent from Sambalpur, questioned the department's negligence, pointing out the disparity in how tickets are secured for officials versus students. "If tickets of ministers and officials travelling in trains can be confirmed even a few hours before their travel, why could the same not be done for the children who were sent by the department itself? Even girls had to travel in harrowing conditions," he stated.
Department's Response and Future Measures
Facing backlash, a senior official from the School and Mass Education Department confirmed that an explanation has been sought from the Director of Secondary Education regarding the lapses in securing confirmed train bookings for the students. Furthermore, the department plans to hold a meeting with railway officials to establish a smoother process for ensuring confirmed tickets for students traveling for future competitions and events.
This incident has highlighted a significant administrative failure, putting the well-being of young athletes, including minor girls, at risk during official travel sanctioned by the state government.
