Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed all aided, government, and autonomous colleges in the state to ensure the availability of at least one functional girls’ toilet on campus by March 8, 2026, to coincide with International Women’s Day.
The circular, issued by Sujata Subhadarshini Nayak, Joint Secretary of the Higher Education Department, underlines the urgency of the matter and asks institutions to submit details in tabular form or any prescribed format.
Colleges have been asked to provide information on the availability of girls’ toilets, their functional status, any repairs or renovations required, and whether the institution currently lacks such facilities.
The government has also instructed colleges to maintain the toilets using their own funds and to set up a sanitation committee to oversee proper upkeep.
“This matter may be treated as most ‘URGENT’, keeping in view the welfare, dignity, and safety of girl students, and the commitment of the government to ensure basic civic amenities in all higher education institutions,” the circular stated.
