Bhubaneswar: In a landmark move to promote the safety, empowerment, and holistic development of female students in higher education, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced the government’s decision to launch “Shaktishree Programme.”
The initiative will be rolled out in 16 universities and 730 government and aided colleges under the Higher Education Department across the state.
The programme comprises a series of institutional, technological, and training-focused interventions aimed at transforming campuses into safer and more inclusive spaces for women pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate education.
At the core of the initiative is the “Shaktishree Empowerment Cell,” a student-led body to be established in every college and university. Each cell will be managed by a female student designated as the “Shaktishree Saathi” and mentored by a female faculty “Shaktishree Coordinator.”
Additionally, five accomplished working women nominated by the District Collector will serve as “Shakti Apas,” visiting campuses quarterly to guide and mentor students. The cell will organize a six-day training programme covering self-defense, legal rights, mental health, and digital safety awareness.
To support these efforts digitally, a dedicated “Shaktishree App” will be launched. The app will allow female students to anonymously report harassment, consult mental health professionals, access Tele-MANAS services, and use an SOS emergency button to seek immediate help. It will also provide details of internal committees and offer escalation mechanisms if complaints are not adequately addressed.
A special Code of Conduct for faculty and non-teaching staff will be implemented, alongside mandatory annual online training on gender sensitivity and women’s safety. The SAFE (Shaktishree Actions for Female Empowerment) Campaign will promote awareness and conduct self-defense camps and workshops.
Additionally, all institutions will be required to submit an annual Campus Safety Report by December 31. CCTV cameras will be installed in key locations based on internal recommendations, and a control room will monitor the feeds. An online course on the POSH Act and UGC guidelines will be made available to all students and staff.
To further support knowledge-sharing and motivation, an annual workshop titled “Shakti Swarupini” will be conducted for all Shaktishree Saathis, Coordinators, and Apas. The programme will educate them on constitutional rights, digital safety, and operational best practices for the initiative.
CM Majhi said, “The Shaktishree Programme is a decisive step toward making our campuses safer, inclusive, and empowering for our daughters. It is not just a scheme—it is a movement for gender equality and respect.”
