She-Box Portal made mandatory by Odisha for reporting harassment cases in higher education institutions

In the aftermath of the recent suicide case at FM College, the Odisha Higher Education Department has issued a strict directive to all educational institutions in the state to enhance accountability in handling harassment complaints.

As per the notification, all institutions must upload detailed information on complaints of harassment and their status of resolution on the She-Box portal—an online platform developed by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development to address complaints of sexual harassment at workplaces and institutions.

Institutions have been instructed to submit:

•    Details of their Internal Complaints Committee (ICC)
•    Local Committee details (if applicable)
•    Total number of harassment complaints received under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013

Number of complaints resolved:

This data must be uploaded by August 1, 2025, without fail. The order is applicable to all higher educational institutions as well as department-level offices.

The directive comes in the backdrop of growing public outrage over alleged mental harassment leading to the suicide of a student at FM College. The move aims to increase transparency, accountability, and ensure strict implementation of gender-safety mechanisms in educational spaces.

Authorities hope that this step will help create a safer and more responsive environment for women students and staff across Odisha.