Bhubaneswar, 9 August (H.S.): The Higher Education Department of the Odisha government has issued a directive for the immediate formation of ‘Shaktishree’ empowerment cells across all higher education institutions in the state. Official communications have been sent to the Vice-Chancellors of universities as well as the principals of government and private colleges to ensure swift compliance.
According to the directive, each institution is required to appoint a ‘Shaktishree Sathi’ a women’s representative by August 20. Additionally, one female student from the final year of undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) courses must be selected as a class representative by August 14.
The order mandates that these empowerment cells be fully operational by August 25. This timeline also coincides with the launch of a six-day self-defense training program designed to enhance the safety and security of women students.
The initiative follows Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s announcement on July 19 regarding the ‘Shaktishree’ program, a comprehensive effort to promote the well-being and protection of women students and staff across all higher education campuses in Odisha.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda