Mandya: Karnataka Bala Vikas Academy chairman Sangamesh Babaleshwar has instructed school headmasters and the officials concerned to closely monitor adolescents who dropped out of school, warning that negligence could lead to serious social consequences.He expressed concern over the rising number of minor pregnancies in the state during a meeting with senior officials of the Mandya district administration. More than 13 cases were reported recently. He stressed that preventing such incidents was not the sole responsibility of the women and child development dept. He emphasised the need for coordinated action from all depts, including education, health, police, and social welfare.He directed the officials to pay home visits if any girl child was absent for a prolonged period or dropped out of school. Strict safety protocols were laid down for residential schools, including mandatory verification of parents’ identities during student pick-up. Babaleshwar noted that 17 child labourers were rescued in the district this year and underlined the importance of providing them with shelter and rehabilitation. DC Kumara told the meeting that decisive action against female foeticide has resulted in 35 registered cases, while child marriages declined over the past two years — 14 cases registered and over 60 prevented in 2025.
