In a significant disclosure, Odisha's Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj informed the state assembly that 19 sexual harassment complaints were lodged by female students across 17 state universities during the year 2024. These complaints encompass incidents of sexual harassment, mental harassment, and outraging the modesty of women. The minister's statement was made in response to a question raised by Kakatpur BJD MLA Tusharkanti Behera.
Detailed Breakdown of Reported Cases
The reported cases include:
- Sexual Harassment: Six cases
- Mental Harassment: Nine cases
- Indecent Behaviour: Two cases
Utkal University reported the highest number of complaints, with seven cases, including three of sexual harassment, one of obscene language, one of mental abuse, and two of indecent conduct. Other institutions such as Fakir Mohan University, Gangadhar Meher University, Rajendra University, and Ravenshaw University also reported incidents of mental abuse and indecent behaviour.
Institutional Responses and Actions Taken
Several measures have been implemented to address these incidents:
- Sensitization Programs: Colleges have conducted sensitization meetings on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. All government and government-aided colleges in several districts have organized such programs.
- Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs): Colleges have displayed the names and contact information of ICC members at prominent locations, ensuring accessibility for students to report grievances.
- Disciplinary Actions: In cases where complaints were substantiated, actions such as transfers and suspensions of the accused faculty members have been reported.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Outcry
One of the most concerning cases involves a 20-year-old student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who tragically died after self-immolating on campus. She had alleged that her Head of Department had sought sexual favours from her six months prior to the incident. The college authorities had referred the complaint to the Internal Complaints Committee, and investigations by higher education committees and the crime branch are ongoing. This incident has sparked widespread protests and calls for accountability, with demands for immediate action against the accused faculty member.
