Odisha Takes Action Against Campus Harassment: A New Dawn for Women's Safety

The Odisha government has received eight complaints from women students regarding ragging, sexual discrimination, and harassment. In response, the Higher Education department has issued guidelines to universities, promoted mental health support, and launched initiatives like the 'Shaktishree' scheme for women's safety and empowerment on campuses.

The Odisha government has been alerted to eight complaints involving ragging, sexual discrimination, and harassment from women students at various colleges and universities over the past two years, according to Higher Education minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

In response to BJD legislator Arvind Mohapatra's query, Suraj stated the department received reports from six colleges and one university, including Government Autonomous College, Rourkela, and F M Autonomous College, Balasore, among others.

To combat such issues, the department has implemented guidelines for universities, endorsed the 'Tele-Manas' helpline for mental health, and introduced the 'Shaktishree' scheme for women's safety and empowerment, featuring Shaktishree Empowerment Cells in educational institutions.