19 girl students from 17 universities in Odisha have faced harassment: Minister informs Assembly

A total of 19 girl students from 17 universities in Odisha have faced physical, mental, and sexual harassment, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj informed the state Assembly on Friday.

According to the Minister, since June last year, as many as six students have faced sexual harassment, while nine students have suffered mental harassment. In addition, two students faced instances of indecent behaviour.

The Minister provided this information in a written reply to a question raised by BJD MLA Tusharkanti Behera in the Assembly.

Must Read: Odisha govt directs colleges, universities to set up ‘Shaktishree’ empowerment cells by August 25

Earlier in July, the Odisha government had launched a comprehensive initiative, Shaktishree for ensuring the safety and security of female students and staff across all higher education campuses in the state. 

In the wake of the death of the 20-year-old student by self-immolation over an alleged sexual harassment incident at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, the announcement was made.

As part of the initiative, Shaktishree Empowerment Cells will be set up across 16 state universities and 730 government and aided colleges in the state to ensure the safety of girl students.

Shaktishree will have eight focus points, such as the Shaktishree Empowerment Cell with a girl student as Shaktishree Sathi and a woman lecturer. Furthermore, the Collector will appoint five 'Shakti Associates' to support the initiative.