Odisha Government Mandates Formation of Panels to Tackle Sexual Abuse Complaints in Higher Education

The Odisha government has directed all higher education institutes to form internal complaint committees to address sexual harassment cases, following the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. Institutes must comply by September 30, ensuring a safe environment for students and employees.

In response to a recent sexual harassment case at Utkal University, the Odisha government has instructed all higher education institutes (HEIs) across the state to establish internal complaint committees to address such grievances. This directive follows the provisions outlined in the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, which mandates institutions to create a safe and respectful environment for students and staff.

The state Higher Education Department issued an official communication to the registrars of both public and private universities, as well as principals of colleges and teacher education institutes, asking them to constitute these panels by September 30, 2024. These panels must be formed in accordance with Section 4 of the Act, ensuring representation of women, including a senior female employee as the presiding officer, at least two additional employees, and one member from an NGO or women’s association.

The committees are expected to investigate complaints of sexual harassment and take appropriate actions in line with the law. The government’s directive is a crucial step toward reinforcing the safety and dignity of students and employees in educational institutions. This initiative came in light of the allegations against a faculty member at Utkal University, leading to his suspension after an internal probe.

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Authorities are required to submit compliance reports to the Higher Education Department by the end of September to confirm the implementation of these committees.