Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the shocking self-immolation attempt by a female student at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore, the Regional Directorate of Education (RDE), Bhubaneswar, has issued a strong directive to all affiliated colleges, mandating urgent steps to ensure student safety and prevent sexual harassment on campuses.
The directive, issued under Letter No. 4786/RDE dated July 14, comes amid widespread outrage over alleged inaction in handling the student’s complaint. The RDE has ordered strict and immediate compliance with University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines and warned of severe consequences for any institutional failure or negligence.
The letter, addressed to principals of all colleges under the RDE’s jurisdiction, makes it mandatory to establish or activate Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) and Anti-Sexual Harassment Cells. It also calls for round-the-clock campus surveillance, in-house squad monitoring, and uninterrupted functioning of CCTV systems to deter misconduct and safeguard students.
Regional Director of Education, Bhubaneswar, emphasized zero tolerance for any lapses, stating, “Any type of laxity in this regard by whosoever shall be brought to book immediately.” The directive underscores the need for institutions to act swiftly and responsibly, with a proactive approach to preventing crises.
The move is part of a larger effort by the Odisha Higher Education Department to restore trust in educational institutions following the Balasore incident, which exposed glaring gaps in redressal mechanisms. The RDE has urged college administrators to create a safe and responsive environment for students, especially in cases involving sensitive complaints like sexual harassment.
Principals have been asked to ensure full compliance with the directive without delay. The department is expected to closely monitor follow-ups and may take action against those who fail to implement the mandated safeguards.
