Odisha Govt Directs Varsities, Colleges To Display Women Helpline Number Prominently

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of FM Autonomous College tragedy, the Odisha government has directed all universities and colleges to prominently display the Women Helpline Number 181 across key locations on campus.

The instruction issued by the Higher Education Department in this regard will be applicable to all universities and colleges under its jurisdiction, including government, aided, and private institutions.

The educational institutions have also been instructed to organise awareness workshops on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act. The directive emphasises strict adherence to the guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) regarding the Act.

The workshops are to be attended by students, faculty members, non-teaching staff, and members of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The objective is to foster a safe and respectful environment for women across educational campuses and ensure compliance with the POSH Act’s provisions.

Institutions have been asked to complete these activities within three days of receiving the directive.

Display of Women Helpline Numbers:

• Ensure prominent display of the following helpline number at strategic locations within your institution:

• Women Helpline – 181

Conduct of Sensitisation Workshop:

• Organise sensitisation workshop on the POSH Act, 2013 and UGC Regulations, 2015 for all Teaching and Non-teaching Staffs, IC members and Students, where a pledge will be taken to abide by/ follow the principles enshrined in the above said Act and Regulations within 3 days of issue of this letter.

Earlier yesterday, the state government also has instructed all District Education Officers (DEOs) to ensure a safe and secure environment for women employees and girl students across all schools and display the following helpline numbers:

• Women Helpline: 181
• Child Helpline: 1098
• Police Helpline: 112

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