Odisha govt introduces Women Helpline Number following FM College tragedy

In the wake of a recent tragic incident at FM College in Balasore, the Odisha Higher Education Department has intensified its efforts to ensure student safety and well-being. A dedicated helpline number 181 has been launched by the department on Friday to assist women in distress, aiming to provide immediate support and redressal.

The department has sent official letters to registrars of all universities and principals of colleges across the state, urging them to take swift and proactive measures. Institutions have been instructed to organize awareness workshops focusing on the prevention of sexual harassment, in strict adherence to UGC guidelines.

The department has also issued instructions that these workshops must involve the active participation of students, teachers, staff, and members of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

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The department has issued strict orders for compliance within three days, emphasizing the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment across all higher education institutions.

"With reference to the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace(Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 and in continuation of earlier communications on the subject, you are hereby directed to comply with the following instructions positively," read the letter issued by the Higher Education Department on Friday.

"Ensure prominent display of the helpline number (Women Helpline - 181) at strategic locations within your institution. Organize sensitisation workshop on the POSH Act, 2013 and UGC Regulations, 2015 for all Teaching and Non-teaching Staff, IC members and Students, where a pledge will be taken to abide by/ follow the principles enshrined in the above said Act and Regulations within 3 days of issue of this letter. This may be treated as Extremely Urgent," the letter further read.