Bhubaneswar, July 19 (OT-Webdesk) – Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the launch of the Shaktishree Programme across higher educational institutions in the state. The initiative aims to create a safe and empowering environment for students while preventing any form of harassment on campuses.
The programme will be implemented in 16 universities and 730 government and aided colleges under the state’s Higher Education Department. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the initiative will serve as a powerful tool for safeguarding students and supporting their overall development.
“This programme will play a vital role in fostering a secure academic atmosphere in colleges and universities. It will also provide self-defense training, promote student empowerment, and contribute to their holistic growth,” Majhi stated.
Each college will be required to submit an annual campus security report by December 31. This report will include details about safety measures, complaints received and resolved, and emergency response infrastructure.
To strengthen surveillance, CCTV cameras will be installed in all colleges and universities, with a dedicated control room to monitor activity 24/7.
Online courses will be offered to students on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act) and related guidelines. Each college and university will establish a permanent “Shaktishree Empowerment Cell,” managed by a student coordinator (“Shaktishree Mate”) and a faculty member (“Shaktishree Sanyojika”).
Additionally, five prominent working women appointed by the District Collector will serve as “Shaktishree Apas,” visiting institutions every three months to mentor and guide students. The Empowerment Centre will organise a six-day training programme for students in batches, focusing on self-defense, legal rights, and mental health awareness.
A dedicated “Shaktishree App” will be introduced, allowing students to register complaints via text, audio, or video while maintaining confidentiality. The app will enable them to contact the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) directly and access mental health support, including Tele-MANAS services.
A special code of conduct will be introduced for all teaching and non-teaching staff in higher educational institutions. Staff members will be required to complete an annual online training module focused on women’s safety, gender sensitivity, and professional ethics.
To raise awareness about gender equality and women’s empowerment, a campaign titled “Shaktishree Actions for Female Empowerment (SAFE)” will be organized twice a year. An SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) related to these measures will soon be issued by the Higher Education Department, the Chief Minister stated.
