Odisha Govt Urges DEOs to Ensure Safe Environment for Women and Girls in Schools

Swift Summary

• The Odisha Government issued directives to District Education Officers (DEOs) following national outrage over the death of a student in Balasore.
• The victim, a second-year BEd student, passed away after self-immolation reportedly due to inaction against allegations of sexual harassment by a professor.
• School and Mass Education Secretary Shalini Pandit instructed DEOs to enforce the Sexual Harassment of Women at workplace Act, 2013 in schools and workplaces under their jurisdiction.
• DEOs were asked to ensure timely establishment and maintenance of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) and compliance with all provisions of the Act.
• Schools are mandated to create safe environments for students’ physical, mental, and socio-emotional well-being.
• Barnali gender equity program will be integrated into the social studies curriculum at elementary and secondary levels to promote positive gender attitudes while combating gender-based violence.
• All workplaces,schools,and residential hostels must prominently display helpline numbers such as women helpline (181),child helpline (1098),police helpline (112),school student helpline (18003456722).
• Any deviation from these guidelines will be viewed seriously by authorities.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The Odisha Government’s immediate response emphasizes accountability in addressing not only individual cases but also systemic safeguards under existing legislation. By mandating strict adherence to the Sexual harassment Act provisions alongside initiatives like Barnali for fostering gender-sensitive attitudes among students,teachers,and parents,this effort aligns with broader societal goals for female safety. However, enforcement remains critical; timely formation of ICCs across establishments must ensure that complaints are addressed effectively without delays or oversights that might escalate unresolved grievances into tragedies. Displaying active support channels like helplines is another way forward toward accessible redressal mechanisms. Integration within curriculums aims at creating long-term cultural shifts while reinforcing institutional responsibility today.

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