Odisha to Launch ‘Shaktishree’ Programme for Campus Safety of Girl Students – News12 Odisha
Bhubaneswar : In a major move to ensure the safety and empowerment of girl students, the Odisha government will soon launch a special programme named Shaktishree. The initiative was announced today by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in response to the recent self-immolation of a female student of Fakir Mohan College, Balasore, allegedly due to harassment by a faculty member.
The Shaktishree programme will be implemented across all 16 universities and 730 government and aided colleges under the Higher Education Department. It focuses on eight key components, including:
* Shaktishree Empowerment Cell
* Shaktishree Mobile App
* Code of Conduct for Staff
* SAFE (Shaktishree Actions for Female Empowerment) Campaign
* Campus Safety Report
* CCTV Surveillance
* Online Awareness Courses
* Shakti Swarupuni Mentorship Programme
A permanent Shaktishree Empowerment Cell will be set up in each institution and operated by girl students. Each cell will be managed by a student representative (Shaktishree Sathi) and a designated woman faculty member (Shaktishree Coordinator). Additionally, five prominent women professionals (Shakti Apa) will be nominated by the District Collector to mentor students and ensure their safety and empowerment on campus.
The government will also launch a dedicated Shaktishree Mobile App where girl students can report harassment or safety issues anonymously through text, audio, or video messages. The app will provide details about Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs), contacts of members, mental health support, and an emergency SOS button for immediate assistance.
CM Majhi also announced the introduction of a Code of Conduct for all teaching and non-teaching staff. Under the SAFE Campaign, girl students will receive self-defence training and participate in awareness programmes on gender equality.
Colleges and universities will be required to submit annual campus safety reports. Round-the-clock CCTV surveillance will also be installed to ensure a safer learning environment.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to student safety and gender equality across higher education institutions through this multi-faceted initiative.
