Odisha makes display of women helpline number ‘181’ in higher educational institutions mandatory

Facing backlash in the wake of sexual escapades of assistant professors in two premier higher educational institutions, the Odisha government on Friday directed authorities of all universities and colleges to ensure that the Women Helpline Number ‘181’ is displayed at prominent places on campus.

In accordance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, the higher education department issued directions for the prominent display of the helpline number at strategic locations within institutions.

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The department also directed the authorities concerned to organise sensitisation workshop on the POSH Act, or the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and the UGC Regulations, 2015, for all teaching and non-teaching staff, internal committee members, and students. During these workshops, a pledge will be taken to abide by the principles enshrined in the said Act and Regulations. A notification issued by the department stated that the workshops must be conducted within three days.

The recent unsavory incidents involving two assistant professors — one from FM College, Balasore, and the other from GM University, Sambalpur — have dented the image of higher educational institutions in Odisha. The arrest of both faculty members on charges of sexually harassing female students has sparked widespread outrage. The situation escalated after a female student from FM College died by suicide, triggering massive protests that continue to this day. On Thursday, an assistant professor from GM University was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a female student under the false promise of marriage.