TNI Editorial: The tragic incident in Tamil Nadu, where several young tribal women lost their lives, has once again highlighted a disturbing question: why are girls, including minors, forced to migrate for work? Kendujhar, despite being Odisha’s richest mining district, continues to witness large-scale distress migration. Tribal women and adolescent girls leave their villages in search of livelihoods, raising serious questions on development claims.

This is not merely an economic issue; it reflects gaps in development, education, and social protection. Mineral wealth must translate into local opportunities. The government must urgently create sustainable jobs, stop exploitation, and prevent trafficking of vulnerable girls.