Odisha Launches ‘Shakthishree Empowerment Centres’ to Foster Student Development and Safety

Bhubaneswar, Aug 1: In a major initiative to strengthen student safety and empowerment, the Odisha government has announced the establishment of ‘Shakthishree Empowerment Centres’ across higher education institutions in the state. The initiative, part of the newly launched “Shaktishree Programme,” aims to ensure holistic development of students—particularly focusing on gender equality, self-defense training, and legal awareness.

The centres will be set up in 16 universities and 730 government and aided colleges under the Higher Education Department. The programme was initially announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on July 18, and is now being rolled out with specific implementation guidelines.

To ensure smooth functioning of these centres, each institution will appoint one female faculty member as a ‘Shakthishree Coordinator’ and one student as a ‘Shakthishree Companion.’ The Coordinators will lead empowerment activities including awareness drives on gender equality, self-defense training, legal rights seminars, and support for students in distress, including access to legal aid when necessary.

In addition, five women from each district, to be chosen by respective District Collectors, will be designated as ‘Shakthishree Apas’. These mentors will include professionals such as social workers, retired women officers (especially from police or military), legal and cyber safety experts, public health specialists, and educators. They will guide and mentor students and support empowerment programmes at the institutional level.

These Shakthishree Apas are required to visit educational institutions at least once every three months and work in tandem with local administrations and NGOs to conduct events, competitions, and workshops aimed at promoting equality, protection, and women’s empowerment.

The Higher Education Department has directed all university registrars and college principals to appoint the designated faculty coordinators by August 4, while District Collectors are to finalize the five Shakthishree Apas per district by August 20.

This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering academic environment for students, particularly young women, and aligns with broader goals of gender justice and student welfare in Odisha.