Are Female Student Harassment Cases Increasing in Odisha?
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Synopsis
The alarming rise in harassment cases among female students in Odisha has sparked outrage and urgent calls for action. With 19 reported cases in the last year, including a tragic incident leading to a student's death, the need for effective solutions has never been more critical.
Key Takeaways
- 19 complaints of sexual harassment reported in the past year.
- Incidents include a tragic case of a BEd student.
- Major universities are receiving increasing complaints.
- Government is actively gathering data on harassment cases.
- There is an urgent need for enhanced student safety protocols.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 19 (NationPress) Amid increasing concerns about the escalating instances of violence against women and students, Odisha's Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj disclosed on Friday that 19 reports of sexual harassment have been lodged by female students at colleges and universities under the department over the past year.
The Higher Education Minister provided this information while addressing a question posed by BJD MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo in the assembly.
Among these complaints is one made by a deceased BEd student from Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore against her faculty and HoD Samir Kumar Sahu.
Notably, the female student, who tragically committed self-immolation on the college campus on July 12, succumbed to her injuries during treatment at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar on July 14.
Additionally, 18 other complaints of sexual harassment were recorded at various other government higher educational institutions in the state over the past year.
Each of the following institutions reported two sexual harassment complaints: BJB (Autonomous) College, Utkal University, RD Women’s University in Bhubaneswar, Government (Autonomous) College in Rourkela, and Choudwar College in Cuttack.
Furthermore, numerous other colleges in the state received complaints of sexual harassment during the last year.
In response to a different question about harassment complaints filed by female students, the minister mentioned that information from 17 universities under the Odisha Higher Education department indicates that women students have submitted 20 complaints regarding sexual and mental harassment, verbal and physical abuse, and safety concerns at hostels since June 12, 2024.
According to the data shared by the higher education minister, two prominent universities in the state—Ravenshaw University in Cuttack and Utkal University in Bhubaneswar—have received the highest number of complaints from female students regarding various types of harassment since June 2024.
On a related note, the School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gand revealed in the assembly that 32 cases of girl student harassment have been recorded across nine districts of Odisha.
Furthermore, the Minister disclosed that Kandhamal district had the highest number of cases at 11, followed by four cases in Sundargarh.
Point of View
We recognize the critical issue of rising harassment cases among female students in Odisha. The statistics provided by the Higher Education Minister call for immediate attention and action. It is imperative that educational institutions prioritize the safety and well-being of their students, ensuring a conducive learning environment free from harassment.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the recent report on harassment cases in Odisha?
The report was prompted by increasing concerns about violence against women and students, highlighted by the Odisha Higher Education Minister’s disclosure of 19 harassment complaints.
How many harassment complaints have been filed in Odisha's educational institutions?
A total of 19 complaints of sexual harassment have been filed by female students at colleges and universities in Odisha over the past year.
What happened to the BEd student from Fakir Mohan College?
The BEd student tragically committed self-immolation on July 12 and died on July 14 while receiving treatment.
Which universities received the most complaints?
Ravenshaw University and Utkal University received the highest number of complaints from female students regarding harassment.
What is the government doing about these complaints?
The government is gathering information and seeking to address the safety and harassment issues faced by female students in educational institutions.
