TV
In recent months, Odisha has witnessed a string of deeply troubling incidents involving female students in some of its most prominent educational institutions. From the mysterious deaths of two Nepali students at KIIT University to the recent controversies at Balasore's FM College and Sambalpur’s GM University, there is a growing sense of alarm over the safety of girl students and the apparent inaction of internal complaints committees (ICCs) meant to safeguard their welfare.
The issue has reignited public concern about the unchecked harassment faced by female students and the silence that follows the initial uproar. Despite the media attention and state-level attention these incidents have garnered, there seems to be little progress or transparency in investigations.
Take, for instance, the death of a Nepali student at KIIT on February 16, which sent shockwaves across the state. The Odisha government responded by forming a three-member high-level investigation committee. Intense questioning, documentation, and scrutiny followed, putting the institution under significant pressure. Yet, more than two and a half months later, there is still no sign of the investigation report. No one knows what happened behind the scenes. Why has the committee report not been made public?
To add to the concern, another Nepali student from the same university died under mysterious circumstances in a hostel—two consecutive incidents that have not only shocked Odisha but also attracted international attention and shame.
This week's turbulence at FM College and GM University only adds to the narrative- how safe are our daughters in these so-called premier institutions? After every outcry, there’s a flurry of activity—statements, promises, brief investigations without any conclusion.
The rising trend of institutional negligence and the delayed or suppressed findings of investigation committees are fuelling public outrage and suspicion.
According to reliable sources, a recent report, even after being submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office from the Higher Education Department, has yet to be made public. This lack of transparency has once again sparked concern across the state, particularly in light of disturbing incidents of sexual harassment reported from two prominent higher education institutions named after Odisha’s iconic sons — Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore and Gangadhar Meher University in Sambalpur.
Question mark over effective monitoring
Social activists point out that since 2013, the 'Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act' (commonly known as the POSH Act) has been in force. In 2016, the University Grants Commission (UGC) also introduced independent regulations concerning the formation and functioning of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in educational institutions. However, effective monitoring of these bodies remains largely absent. Authorities tend to take the issue seriously only after incidents occur, rather than ensuring proactive enforcement and prevention.
"The colleges and universities are violating the guidelines and laws. Sexual harassment cannot be checked unless stringent and exemplary punishments are given. Why UGC is not monitoring its guidelines?" asked social activist Kasturi Mohapatra.
The tragic death of the Nepali student at KIIT University and the recent incident at an FM college in Balasore have exposed disturbing similarities, both pointing toward serious questions about institutional systems meant to safeguard students.
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In the Balasore case, the female student had filed a complaint against her Head of Department (HOD), alleging that he demanded personal favors. Meanwhile, in the KIIT case, the deceased student had accused her boyfriend of blackmailing her. What links these incidents is not just the trauma the students went through, but also the failure of institutional mechanisms in addressing their grievances effectively.
In the FM case, the victim had approached the Internal Complaints Committee with her complaint, but the investigation reportedly yielded no substantial outcome. Similarly, the KIIT student had taken her concerns to the International Relations Officer (IRO), only to be left disheartened and unsupported.
Following the Balasore incident, the Higher Education Department formed an inquiry committee. However, whether this committee will deliver transparent outcomes or succumb to invisible pressures remains to be seen.
What is ailing educational institutions?
According to educationists, after admissions and examinations become the primary focus of an institution, such cases of student harassment and emotional distress seem to be increasingly reported, turning into what they describe as a 'systemic illness' in campuses across the country.
"It's actually not an incident, rather it's a systemic illness. Educational institutions have issues. The committees are not submitting correct reports under pressure," said Prof Kumar Bar Das.
These incidents, which tarnish the sanctity of educational institutions, prompt a pressing question: When will these tragedies stop? When will female students truly feel safe on campuses? And when will parents be able to send their daughters to colleges and universities without fear? These are the answers that the system must now urgently provide.
