Latest news with #Shaktishree
NDTV
5 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
After Odisha Student's Self-Immolation, The Pretence Of 'Action'
The tragic self-immolation and death of a student at FM College in Odisha, following alleged abuse by a faculty member, has sent shockwaves across the state. The student, who died by suicide after multiple pleas to authorities and a sham hearing by the Internal Complaints Committee, has starkly exposed the inadequate, or mostly absent, student support systems in higher education institutions. In response, the Odisha government has launched the "Shaktishree" initiative, aimed at "transforming women's safety in higher education institutions." However, such knee-jerk solutions, which aim at the optics of action rather than meaningful change, must be replaced by robust and comprehensive student support frameworks. Is "Shaktishree" Enough? Under the Shaktishree initiative, Empowerment Cells are to be established in nearly 730 colleges under 16 state universities. Each cell is expected to include a trained female student and a woman faculty member. Other features include a mobile app for accessing services, round-the-clock CCTV surveillance, self-defence training, and the appointment of five accomplished women in each district to mentor female students. The programme bears resemblance to IIT Kharagpur's "Campus Mothers" scheme. Both sound promising, but in their gendered stereotyping, they dilute the focus from the need to create a professional mental health infrastructure. The College Campus Mental health concerns among college students are rising rapidly. According to the World Mental Health Survey conducted across 21 countries in 2016, one in five college students met the criteria for a psychiatric disorder. Indian studies show comparable numbers. Severe mental illnesses often begin during late adolescence and early adulthood, the characteristic neurodevelopment phase, which is the precise age group that populates our college campuses. In Odisha, student suicides (across schools and colleges) rose by more than 50% between 2021 and 2023, with 189 cases reported in 2023 alone. Fortunately, mental health interventions in higher education have shown encouraging outcomes in college students. Evidence-based programmes, such as mindfulness training, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and technology-driven interventions, have been effective in reducing mental health difficulties among college students. Yet, despite guidelines issued by the UGC and AICTE in 2023, most colleges in Odisha still do not have a single professional counsellor on their rolls. The Shaktishree initiative does include a telehealth feature that connects students to Tele-MANAS, a national mental health helpline by NIMHANS. As of May 2024, Tele-MANAS had handled over one million calls, averaging 3,500 per day, through 51 cells across India. Odisha alone accounted for about 20,000 calls between 2021 and 2023, predominantly from young callers. While promising, helplines cannot replace embedded, on-campus mental health support. The crisis extends to private institutions as well. Just last week, a leading private university in Bhubaneswar, KIIT, was publicly reprimanded by the UGC after the suicide of a foreign student. The regulatory body issued a show-cause notice, raising serious concerns about the university's mental health support systems, safety protocols, and its administrative handling, accusing it of "illegal compromise in harassment complaints". A Model Worth Emulating Kerala, a state with high indices in healthcare, provides another example to emulate in this domain. "JEEVANI", a structured, state-wide, comprehensive college mental health programme for students in all government arts and science colleges of the state, has been successfully implemented. It is also the largest structured college mental health service in India. Each JEEVANI unit includes a full-time counsellor and offers evidence-based, clinically supervised interventions and referrals. The system is continuously improved through regular administrative feedback and is a model that other states, including Odisha, would do well to replicate. At the national level, the seriousness of the issue has reached the Supreme Court. In 2025, it constituted a National Task Force on the Mental Health Concerns of Students and the Prevention of Suicides in Higher Educational Institutions. The task force held its second meeting in April this year and is currently focusing on areas including identifying prominent causes leading to student suicides, analysing the effectiveness of existing student welfare and mental health policies, and eventually proposing reforms to strengthen institutional frameworks and create a supportive academic environment. While the task force might do a good job in meeting the objectives, its translation to action is a different story. Shaky Foundations Even the most well-intentioned support systems will fail if deeper structural issues remain unaddressed. As of early 2025, 65% of permanent teaching posts (1,307 positions) and 71% of non-teaching posts in Odisha's public universities remain vacant. Two of the largest universities in the state have failed to appoint student grievance ombudsmen despite multiple UGC directives. Discrimination based on gender, caste, or other marginalised identities continues to plague campuses, significantly impacting students' mental well-being. These issues are not unique to Odisha and are a well-documented national malaise afflicting higher education. Still, Odisha must take urgent, state-level action rather than wait for national reforms to trickle down. While the "Shaktishree" scheme may appear to be a step in the right direction, its limited scope and emphasis on safety over holistic support fall short of what is truly needed. The absence of a professionally structured, integrated, and evidence-informed student support ecosystem is a glaring gap. Until Odisha develops a comprehensive, well-funded, and expertly staffed plan for student well-being, the youth in its colleges will remain vulnerable not just to academic pressures, but to the compounded effects of neglect, abuse, and institutional apathy.
New Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Odisha mandates installation of CCTV on college, varsity campuses to check crimes
BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to check incidents of sexual harassment, ragging and other crimes on campuses, the state government has decided to bring all higher educational institutions under the Higher Education department under the CCTV surveillance system. Under the Shaktishree initiative, which was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi last week in wake of the FM (Autonomous) College incident, the department has decided to mandate installation of CCTVs in all public colleges and universities to keep a closer watch and ensure a safe environment in the campuses. Modalities of the installation are currently being worked out. A senior official of the department informed that principals of the institutions will soon be asked to identify the locations on campuses where installation of CCTVs is required. The principals will consult the internal complaints committee (ICC) members and Shaktishree Empowerment Cells to decide upon locations on the campuses. A central control room will be established in the department for monitoring purposes. 'The idea is to bring both frequented and less frequented areas in a college or university under CCTV surveillance to keep an eye on any untoward incident that is happening on campuses including cases of sexual harassment,' said the official.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Samal travels to Delhi amid state cabinet expansion buzz
1 2 Bhubaneswar: BJP state president Manmohan Samal, accompanied by party general secretary (organisation) Manas Mohanty, travelled to Delhi on Tuesday amid speculations about an impending expansion of the council of ministers in the state. The visit, which comes a day after CM Mohan Charan Majhi met governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, added further fuel to the expansion buzz. Sources said Samal is expected to engage in high-level discussions with the central leadership, including BJP president J P Nadda, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah. The agenda is likely to be the formation of new teams — both within the council of ministers and the party organisation — as Samal prepares to appoint new party office-bearers following his recent reappointment as state BJP chief. Speculation is rife that chief minister Majhi, in consultation with Samal, may introduce new faces in his ministerial team while dropping some current ministers. This reshuffle is aimed at rejuvenating the team and strengthen the party's grassroots connections ahead of the panchayat elections in early 2027. Monday's meeting between the CM and the governor, coupled with the Kambhampati's social media post about "ways to strengthen governance", is being interpreted as a strong indication of a potential cabinet expansion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo This development is seen as a strategic move to address recent challenges faced by the Majhi govt, including issues related to women's safety and public trust. Majhi announced stringent measures against perpetrators and introduced the Shaktishree scheme to enhance women's safety on campuses. A cabinet reshuffle could provide the govt with a renewed mandate to address these pressing issues and regain public confidence.
Hans India
21-07-2025
- Hans India
‘Shaktishree' launched for safety of girl students
Bhubaneswar: Daysafter the self-immolation death of a college student in Balasore over alleged sexual harassment, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday launched 'Shaktishree', a State-wide initiative to ensure safety, security and empowerment of women in universities and colleges. The Chief Minister described 'Shaktishree' as a 'transformative empowerment and self-defence initiative' that will cover 16 State universities and 730 government and aided colleges. 'This initiative will ensure the safety of girl students and create safer and more inclusive campuses in our higher education institutions,' Majhi said. The Chief Minister said as part of the initiative, every institution will have a 'Shaktishree Empowerment Cell' -- a student-led body coordinated by a woman faculty member and a female student. This cell will focus on promoting safety, self-defence and emotional well-being among students and staff. To provide further support, each district will nominate five senior women professionals, called 'Shakti Apas', who will mentor students and visit campuses every three months. A dedicated mobile app will also be launched that will offer a secure platform for women students and staff to register complaints anonymously — via text, audio, or video — seek counselling and access mental health services through Tele-MANAS, a national mental health initiative. All teaching and non-teaching staff will be required to undergo annual online training related to the POSH Act, 2013, and UGC Regulations, 2015. A mandatory code of conduct will be enforced to ensure professional behaviour and gender sensitisation. In addition, a biannual campaign called SAFE (Shaktishree Actions for Female Empowerment) will be conducted to raise awareness on gender issues, bullying and harassment. Each institution must also submit an annual campus safety report by December 31 every year. To enhance security, campuses will be brought under 24x7 CCTV surveillance. An annual event called 'Shakti Swarupini' will also be held for student and faculty coordinators to receive training, share feedback and strengthen the programme.
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
The Hindu Morning Digest: July 20, 2025
Supreme Court to hear Presidential reference on President, Governor's powers on July 22 The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a Presidential reference on July 22, questioning whether the court can 'impose' timelines and prescribe the manner of conduct of Governors and the President while dealing with State Bills sent to them for assent or reserved for consideration. INDIA bloc parties resolve to question foreign policy 'failures' of government The Opposition will highlight the government's failure to apprehend the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack and U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated claims on allegedly brokering peace between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, the leaders of 24 INDIA bloc parties decided at a virtual meeting on Saturday (July 19, 2025) evening. Arrest of Indian fishermen lays bare uneasy Delhi-Dhaka ties For the second time in the past one year, Bangladesh has detained Indian fishermen, official sources said on Saturday (July 19, 2025). The development is being viewed by policymakers as a growing 'absence of understanding' between the two sides against the backdrop of a seemingly uneasy relationship between Dhaka and New Delhi. Not said anything against the Gandhi family, says Shashi Tharoor on Emergency article Congress MP, Shashi Tharoor said here on Saturday that he has not said anything against the Gandhi family in his controversial article on the Emergency. 'I have mentioned about some individuals and incidents that happened at that time in the article', he told media persons on the sidelines of a meeting on 'Peace, Unity and National Development' organised by the Council for Community Co-operation here. 'You can read it to understand it. There is nothing new in the article', he said. Around 32 lakh voters yet to submit enumeration forms in Bihar, says Election Commission Around 32 lakh voters are yet to submit their Enumeration Forms in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar, with just six days left for the July 25 deadline. Out of 7,89,69,844 total electors, forms have been received from 90.64% voters. Around 5.27% electors have not been found at their addresses. Out of them, 1.81% have probably died; 0.95% are probably enrolled at multiple places; 2.5% have probably permanently shifted; and 0.01% are not traceable. Under attack from Opposition, BJP govt. in Odisha launches 'Shaktishree' for safety of girls in colleges Under attack from the Opposition over the death of a girl, who set herself on fire on the campus of her college in Balasore over alleged sexual harassment, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi-led government in Odisha on Saturday announced a special programme, Shaktishree, to ensure safety of girls in institutes of higher education in the State. Stateless for four years, doctor from Pakistan knocks on Gujarat High Court's door for citizenship A 50-year-old doctor from Pakistan has been 'stateless' for the past four years and decided to move the Gujarat High Court with the hope of pushing officials to help him secure Indian citizenship. Nanikraz Khanoomal Mukhi, who had a sonography clinic in Pakistan's Hyderabad, chose to move to India in 2009 for his children's education and to escape possible religious persecution. Uttarakhand creating history in development and growth, says Amit Shah Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday (July 19, 2025) said that it was a Bharatiya Janata Party government led by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee that carved out smaller States like Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, which are now creating history in development and growth. India's water will now flow only for its people, asserts J&K L-G on Indus Waters Treaty's abeyance Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday (July 19, 2025) said India's waters will flow for its people and stop in the country only, while referring to the now-in-abeyance Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). 'India's water will now flow for India, stop in India, and serve the people of India. India will have full control over the Jhelum and Chenab rivers,' the L-G said. INDIA bloc parties resolve to question foreign policy 'failures' of government The Opposition will highlight the government's failure to apprehend the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack and U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated claims on allegedly brokering peace between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, the leaders of 24 INDIA bloc parties decided at a virtual meeting on Saturday (July 19, 2025) evening. Shah Rukh Khan injured during the shoot of 'King': reports Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan is reported to have suffered an injury during the shoot of his upcoming movie. According to Hindustan Times, Shah Rukh has been advised one-month rest following the incident. Ukraine's Zelenskyy offers Russia more talks next week Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday (July 19, 2025) that Kyiv has sent Moscow an offer to hold another round of peace talks next week, and that he wanted to speed up negotiations for a ceasefire. Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul over the past five months. They have agreed to swap prisoners but made no breakthroughs in ending almost three and a half years of conflict that started with Russia's 2022 invasion. Tourist boat capsizes during thunderstorm in Vietnam, leaving 34 dead A boat carrying tourists capsized during a sudden thunderstorm in Vietnam on Saturday (July 19, 2025) afternoon during a sightseeing excursion, killing 34 people, state media reported. 2nd WODI: England cruise to 8-wicket victory to level series 1-1 Opener Amy Jones hit a fluent 46 not out as England made short work of an out-of-sorts India, winning the rain-hit second Women's ODI by eight wickets at the Lord's on Saturday (July 19, 2025).
