Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed colleges across the state to form Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) within a week.
The Higher Education Department issued the instruction through an official communication to all government, government-aided and private colleges in the state.
Institut
ions which have already constituted an ICC have been asked to submit relevant documentation within seven days.
Colleges have been warned of strict action in case of non-compliance. Institutions failing to form the ICC, to ensure the safety of girl students on the campus, may face restrictions for the academic session 2026-27.
A day earlier, the Higher Education Department rolled out a code of conduct for students and faculty members of higher education institutions of Odisha.
The code of conduct is aimed to take a firm stand against sexual harassment and obscene behaviour on the campus.
Colleges have been asked to refer cases of sexual harassment to the ICCs for investigation and strict action.