Bhubaneswar: In a significant step to strengthen safety of students, the Odisha government on Friday directed every university and college in the state to nominate one female faculty member to serve as Shaktishree Sanjojika (coordinator).
The Higher Education Department has sent a communication to registrars and principals of all higher education institutions. The move comes in the wake of the tragic incident at FM Autonomous College in Balasore that raised concerns over campus safety protocols.
The Shaktishree Sanjojika will be the coordinator for the Shaktishree initiative at the Higher Education Institution (HEI) level. She will be responsible for guiding, mentoring, and coordinating the efforts of the Shaktishree Empowerment Cell, official sources said.
The Shaktishree Sanjojika should be a student-friendly female faculty member with demonstrated experience, interest, and commitment in areas of gender equity, student welfare, empowerment, and social justice.
The roles and responsibilities of the Shaktishree Sanjojika include promoting gender sensitivity and awareness among students, facilitating access to support services for women in distress, mentoring Shaktishree Saathis and student volunteers, and planning and implementing regular activities aligned with the objectives of the Shaktishree Initiative.
The Shaktishree Sanjojika will be responsible for conducting training, workshops, seminars, and events on self-defence, health awareness, legal literacy, life skills, and ethical values. They will also ensure a gender-inclusive learning environment, promote respectful and safe workplaces, and engage with local authorities, NGOs, and service providers for awareness and support services.
The government has asked universities and colleges to nominate Shaktishree Sanjojika by August 4. The nominated faculty member will play a crucial role in implementing the Shaktishree Initiative, which aims to empower girl students and ensure their safety and well-being.
The Shaktishree Initiative is aimed at empowering girl students and ensuring their safety and well-being. The initiative seeks to create a supportive and inclusive environment in educational institutions, promoting gender sensitivity and awareness among students.
