In a written reply to BJD MLA Tusharkanti Behera during the Odisha Assembly session, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj revealed that 19 girl students across 17 universities in the state have been victims of various forms of abuse.
According to the minister’s statement:
- 6 students were subjected to sexual abuse
- 9 students faced mental harassment
- 2 students experienced inappropriate behavior
The incidents span across multiple institutions and have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of female students in higher education. The minister assured that appropriate action would be taken wherever necessary and that the government remains committed to ensuring safe and inclusive campuses.