Bhubaneswar: Congress is all set to launch a number of initiatives with a focus on women’s safety in Odisha in the wake of the tragic death of Soumyashree Bisi, a student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore over alleged harassment.
Addressing a press meet in Bhubaneswar on Friday, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das said a dedicated women’s grievance cell will soon be set up at the party state headquarters in Bhubaneswar.
While the grievance cell will function from Congress Bhawan, the party has also decided to launch a separate mobile app to with an aim to address women’s safety concerns.
Women in distress will be able to use the proposed app to file complaints with Congress and the party will work towards resolving the issues reported through the platform, he said.
Congress is also set to observe ‘Shraddhanjali Divas’ across the state on July 24, coinciding with the post-death ritual day of Soumyashree, who had set herself ablaze in front of the office of the principal of FM College on July. The 20-year-old B.Ed student suffered over 90 per cent burns and breathed her last during treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14.
Mahila Congress members will observe the day at different places, including universities and colleges, by holding silent prayers. Silence will be observed for two minutes in memory of all young women who have recently lost their lives to murders or suicides, said Das.
He said Congress has demanded a judicial inquiry into these cases under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
Congress has also decided to organise special meetings on women’s safety in four major locations of the state.
After the July 24 programmes, eight Left parties supporting the Congress on the issue will hold a joint meeting to decide the next course of action.
