Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government’s Higher Education Department has directed all state public universities and government and non-government aided colleges to select Shaktishree Saathi and Female Class Representatives (FCRs) for the academic year 2026-27 and update their details on the Shaktishree web portal.
In a letter issued on September 21, Director of Higher Education Kaliprasanna Mahapatra said institutions would also have to update the details of the Shaktishree Sanjojika, who coordinates the activities of the Shaktishree Empowerment Cell.
The department said an existing Sanjojika could continue in the role if she was still discharging her responsibilities. In such cases, institutions would not need to select a new Sanjojika and would only have to update her details on the portal.
However, if the existing Sanjojika had been transferred, relieved, retired or assigned other duties, the institution would have to designate another suitable female faculty member, preferably a regular faculty member, for the academic year.
For institutions with a large number of students, one or more Associate Shaktishree Sanjojikas could also be designated. In colleges, the Principal would take the decision, while in universities, the Dean of Student Welfare would be responsible for the designation.
The department has also directed institutions to select one female student from the final year as Shaktishree Saathi. The Saathi would function as a peer leader and facilitate student participation, awareness and coordination related to Shaktishree activities.
In addition, Female Class Representatives would be selected from each department. There would be one FCR from the final year of undergraduate programmes and one from the final year of postgraduate programmes, depending on the programmes offered by the institution.
The FCRs would facilitate communication, participation and coordination among female students in connection with Shaktishree activities and initiatives.
The department said the selection of the Sanjojika, Saathi and FCRs must be carried out in accordance with the guidelines and procedures prescribed in its earlier communications.
After completing the selection process, institutions have been asked to update the details on the Shaktishree web portal. They would also have to send a duly signed physical copy containing details of the designated Sanjojika, Saathi and FCRs to the Higher Education Department for official records.
The department said the instructions were aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the Shaktishree Empowerment Cell in higher educational institutions across the state.
