Odisha CM launches 'Shaktishree' initiative for safety, security of female students on campus

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Saturday announced the launch of 'Shaktishree', a comprehensive initiative aimed at ensuring the safety and security of women students and staff across all higher education campuses in the state.

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

Shaktishree will have eight focus points, such as 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. An intensive six-day training session for participants is also planned.

In addition, Shaktishree Mobile Application, operational around the clock, will be introduced to familiarise students with its features. Female students will be part of the internal team. The app will enable users to report incidents directly to the police, seek medical advice during periods of stress, and access the Indian government's 'Tele-Manas' mental health service. Notably, the app incorporates an emergency SOS button to facilitate immediate assistance.

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The third measure enforces behavioural codes for both academic and non-academic staff, while the fourth emphasises the importance of conducting safety campaigns addressing gender issues.

An annual safety report for each campus must be submitted by 31 December as the fifth measure. Surveillance cameras will be installed on campuses as the sixth measure, which will be monitored by a special control room on a 24/7 basis.

Online courses will be available to students as the seventh measure, and lastly, the eighth measure includes an annual 'Shakti Swaroopini' workshop to raise awareness about women's legal rights.

Describing 'Shaktishree' as a 'transformative empowerment and self-defence initiative', the Chief Minister said it will be implemented across 16 state universities and 730 government and aided colleges in the state to ensure the safety of girl students.

"This initiative will ensure the safety of girl students and create safer and more inclusive campuses in our higher education institutions," said CM Majhi.