Mass Education Dept Urges DEOs to Ensure Safety of Women and Students in Schools

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of statewide outrage over the tragic death of 20-year-old student from FM Autonomous College, Balasore after self-immolating due to alleged sexual harassment by a faculty member, the School and Mass Education Department of has urged all District Education Officers (DEOs) to implement immediate measures to guarantee the safety and well-being of women employees at workplaces and foster a secure environment for students, especially girls, in schools.

In a letter to the DEOs, the Department has emphasized the need to implement the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. DEOs have been tasked with ensuring the formation and reconstitution of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in all eligible institutions under their jurisdiction.

“You are instructed to review implementation of the above, along with timely constitution and re-constitution of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in all eligible establishments and further ensure that all provisions of the Act are followed in letter and spirit at all workplaces under your jurisdiction”, the letter stated.

The department has also highlighted the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment in schools for the overall well-being of all students, encompassing their physical, mental, and socio-emotional health. Additionally, promoting gender equity through the BARNALI (Gender Equity Programme) curriculum has been given special emphasis.

“Further, it is also imperative that a safe environment is created in schools for all students, and particularly for girl students, for their physical, mental and socio-emotional well-being. In this context, BARNALI (Gender Equity Programme) curriculum intended to promote positive gender attitudes and behaviors in students, teachers and parents and to eliminate gender-based violence is to be strictly followed in all elementary and secondary schools of the State in integration with the Social Studies curriculum”, the letter added.

The Department has also asked the DEOs to ensure prominent display of crucial helpline numbers in all schools, workplaces, and residential hostels. The numbers are:
Women Helpline: 181
Child Helpline: 1098
Police Helpline (ERSS): 112
School Student Helpline: 18003456722

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