CM Mohan Majhi Launches ‘Shaktishree Programme’ to Empower Women in Higher Education

Bhubaneswar: Strengthening Odisha’s commitment to gender equality and safer campuses, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday unveiled the Shaktishree Programme, a state-wide initiative dedicated to the safety, empowerment, and holistic development of female students in higher education institutions.

The programme will be implemented across 16 universities and 730 government and aided colleges under the Higher Education Department. It aims to transform educational campuses into secure, inclusive, and empowering spaces for women pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

A key feature of the initiative is the formation of Shaktishree Empowerment Cells in every college and university. These student-led bodies will be helmed by a female student, known as the Shaktishree Saathi, and guided by a faculty member designated as the Shaktishree Coordinator. Additionally, five working women selected by the District Collector will serve as Shakti Apas, visiting campuses quarterly to mentor students and support the initiative’s objectives.

Each cell will organise a six-day structured training programme focused on self-defense, legal literacy, mental health, and digital safety. This hands-on approach aims to equip female students with practical skills and awareness to navigate challenges both on and off campus.

Supporting this effort is the soon-to-be-launched Shaktishree App, a digital platform that will enable students to report harassment anonymously, access mental health counselling and Tele-MANAS services, and seek immediate assistance through an SOS feature. The app will also provide details about internal grievance committees and offer escalation mechanisms for unresolved complaints.

The programme also addresses institutional accountability. A special Code of Conduct will be enforced for faculty and non-teaching staff, accompanied by mandatory annual online training on gender sensitivity and women’s safety. Through the SAFE (Shaktishree Actions for Female Empowerment) campaign, campuses will host awareness drives, workshops, and self-defense sessions to further the culture of safety and respect.

All participating institutions will be required to submit an annual Campus Safety Report by December 31. CCTV surveillance will be strengthened, with cameras installed at critical points and monitored via a centralized control room. An online course covering the POSH Act and UGC guidelines will be introduced for all students and staff to deepen their understanding of legal protections and institutional responsibilities.

To foster knowledge exchange and celebrate progress, the government will organize an annual workshop titled Shakti Swarupini for all Shaktishree Saathis, Coordinators, and Apas. The event will offer sessions on digital safety, constitutional rights, and operational best practices, reinforcing the programme’s values and vision.

Calling the programme a landmark move, Chief Minister Majhi said, “The Shaktishree Programme is a decisive step toward making our campuses safer, inclusive, and empowering for our daughters. It is not just a scheme—it is a movement for gender equality and respect.”