In a decisive step toward bolstering student safety, especially for girls, the Odisha Higher Education Department has directed all colleges and universities to appoint ‘Shaktishree’ coordinators.
These coordinators—female faculty members—will serve as key points of support and safety monitoring for girl students across campuses.
The directive, sent via official communication to registrars and principals of all higher education institutions, comes in the wake of the disturbing Balasore FM incident that raised concerns over campus safety protocols.
Key Objectives and Activities Include:
🔹 Support Services & Legal Aid Colleges are advised to facilitate access to support mechanisms for women in distress, including legal assistance in coordination with local authorities.
🔹 Gender-Inclusive Learning Spaces Efforts will focus on eliminating bias and bullying while promoting safe and respectful workplaces for students and staff.
🔹 Student Mentorship & Collaborations Institutions are tasked with mentoring Shaktishree Saathis and volunteers to lead peer engagement efforts. Collaboration with Shaktishree Apa, NGOs, and service providers is essential for awareness campaigns.
🔹 Creative & Participatory Events Observances of national and international days related to women’s rights are to be marked with activities such as debates, street plays, poster-making, and slogan-writing to encourage participation and dialogue.
🔹 Programme Implementation & Reporting Colleges are instructed to conduct regular activities aligned with the initiative’s objectives and submit detailed reports, success stories, and impact documentation.
A crucial mandate within the directive is the identification and appointment of the Shaktishree Sanjojika—the key coordinator of campus activities—by August 4, 2025.
Shakti Apa:
Each district will nominate five exemplary female professionals as ‘Shakti Apa’ — mentors who will counsel, motivate, and empower girls in educational institutions. These mentors will serve as role models and offer guidance through quarterly interactions held within the campuses.
🧠 Diverse Representation Ensured District Collectors have been tasked with selecting the Shakti Apa from a varied pool of accomplished women, including:
- Social workers involved in women’s safety and child protection
- Retired female officers, preferably from police or armed forces
- Legal and cybersecurity experts
- Public health professionals and psychological counsellors
- Senior educationists and student welfare coordinators Other nominations may be considered based on district-specific needs.
🏛 Institution-Led Support The HEIs will facilitate the mentor visits, bearing the travel and daily allowances of the Shakti Apa. The initiative seeks to instil confidence in girl students, offer practical knowledge on safety, legal rights, and digital literacy, and provide psychosocial support where needed.
📌 Action Timeline District administrations have been asked to identify and submit profiles and contact details of selected Shakti Apas within 20 days — the deadline set for August 20, 2025.
The initiative signals a strong commitment to transforming campuses into hubs of inclusivity and empowerment, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping equitable educational spaces.
