Bhubaneswar,22nd July 2025: Like colleges, Internal Complaint Committees (ICC) will now be formed in all schools across the state. The aim is to create a safe environment for girl students in every educational institution. The safety of female employees will also be ensured.
Under the ‘Barshali’ (Gender Equality Program) initiative, the government will give special emphasis on implementing this across all schools. The School and Mass Education Department has issued a letter to all District Education Officers (DEOs), instructing them to form such committees in every school keeping the safety of girl students, female teachers, and staff in focus.
This step follows the tragic suicide of a girl student at Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, after which the state government has shown urgency in ensuring such incidents do not recur.
The letter also emphasizes the mandatory display of helpline numbers in school premises and the strict implementation of the ‘Barshali’ curriculum. Schools are directed to maintain a secure and supportive atmosphere for the physical, mental, and social well-being of all students, especially girls.
The department has reminded all institutions to comply with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and to regularly review the formation and functioning of ICCs.
All schools must promote positive gender attitudes and behavior among students, parents, and teachers. The ‘Barshali’ curriculum, aimed at eliminating gender-based violence, is to be strictly integrated into the Social Studies syllabus in all primary and secondary schools.
Furthermore, the department has instructed all institutions — including schools, offices, and hostels — to clearly display helpline numbers at visible locations. In case of emergency, students and female staff can seek assistance through the following helplines:
Women’s Helpline: 181
Child Helpline: 1098
Police Helpline: 112
School Student Helpline: 18003456722
This comprehensive initiative aims to make educational spaces safer, more equitable, and responsive to the needs of girls and women.