7-Months Pregnant Government Employee, In Intense Labour, Loses Child After Being Denied Leave

Bhubaneswar: A 26-year-old government employee, working at Odisha's Women and Child Development Department, claimed that she lost her child in the womb after being denied leave by her senior while experiencing severe labour pain. Barsha Priyadarshini alleged that she was denied leave by a Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) while experiencing severe labour pain at her office in Kendrapara district. The incident occurred on October 25 but came to light on Tuesday when the woman, Barsha Priyadarshini, shared her story with the media.Barsha, an employee of the Women and Child Development Department in the district's Derabish block, said she was in her seventh month of pregnancy and felt intense pain at work.She alleged that she requested CDPO Snehalata Sahoo and other officials to take her to the hospital, but they ignored her pleas. Barsha also alleged that the CDPO "mistreated" her. Later, Barsha's relatives took her to a private hospital in Kendrapara, where an ultrasound revealed that her baby had died.Barsha has now filed a written complaint to the district collector, demanding strict action against the CDPO, claiming that "mental harassment and gross negligence" of Sahoo led to her loss. Reacting to the allegation, the CDPO said she was unaware of Barsha's suffering.Nilu Mohapatra, additional district magistrate (ADM), Kendrapara said, "After getting the complaint, the district administration has directed the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) to submit a report after investigating the matter. After getting the report, we will take action." Expressing concern over the incident, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida in a post on X said she discussed about the incident with Kendrapara collector and directed him to immediately conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report."A committee will be formed to investigate the matter. After that, we will submit our report," said Manorama Swain, DSWO, Kendrapara.(With inputs from PTI)