Odisha mandates display of toll-free helpline for female students in all Colleges & Universities

Amid rising number of atrocities against female students and women in the state, the Higher Education Department of Odisha government has taken a strong stance to address the issue.

The Higher Education Minister has directed all the colleges and universities across the state to set up Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) within three days. Additionally, the department has mandated the display of toll-free helpline number 181 on all campuses.

Following the directive, signage featuring the 181 toll-free number is being installed in more than 530 colleges across the state. Prominent institutions in Bhubaneswar, including BJB College, Rama Devi Women's University, and Rajdhani College, have already begun implementing the measures. Workshops are also being organized to raise awareness among students and staff.

Officials from BJB Autonomous College mentioned that ICCs had already been established earlier, and further efforts are underway to strengthen the mechanism to ensure a safer environment for female students and staff. 

Must Read: 'Shaktishree' initiative by Odisha govt for safety, security of female students on higher education campuses; all you need to know

Notably, Odisha government has also launched a comprehensive initiative- 'Shaktishree' for ensuring the safety and security of women students and staff across all higher education campuses in the state. 

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, the announcement was made.