Odisha's Shaktishree Scheme: A Comprehensive 5-Year Plan for Campus Safety and Girl Student Empowerment
The Odisha government, under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, is moving forward with an ambitious plan to implement the Shaktishree scheme, a landmark initiative designed to create safe and inclusive campus environments for girl students pursuing higher education. Originally announced last year, this transformative program is now scheduled for a structured five-year rollout, marking a significant commitment to gender equality and student welfare in the state's educational institutions.
Implementation Timeline and Financial Allocation
The state's empowered finance committee has recently given its approval for the scheme's implementation, which will span from the 2025-26 academic session through 2029-30. This extended timeframe allows for thorough execution and monitoring of all components. A substantial budget of Rs 236 crore has been earmarked to support the initiative over these five years, with proposals set to be presented to the chief minister for final approval in the coming weeks.
Key Components and Structural Framework
The Shaktishree scheme encompasses a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond basic campus security. At its core, the initiative aims to equip girl students with self-defense skills while simultaneously addressing their mental health and emotional well-being. The program will be implemented across 16 universities and 730 government and government-aided colleges throughout Odisha, ensuring widespread impact.
Each participating educational institution will establish dedicated Shaktishree empowerment cells to oversee local implementation. These cells will work in conjunction with internal complaints committees to identify strategic locations for enhanced security measures. A critical innovation of the scheme is the introduction of 'Shakti Apas' (women mentors), who will serve as guides and monitors for the program's on-ground execution.
Mentorship and Monitoring Through Shakti Apas
The selection and appointment of Shakti Apas will be managed by district-level committees established in all districts across Odisha. These committees will include high-ranking officials such as:
- District Collectors or Additional District Magistrates
- Superintendents of Police, Additional Superintendents of Police, or Deputy Commissioners of Police
- Chief District Medical Officers
Each educational institute will receive five Shakti Apas who will regularly visit campuses to monitor compliance with all scheme elements. Their responsibilities include ensuring proper implementation of safety protocols, mentorship programs, and empowerment activities.
Comprehensive Safety Infrastructure and Audits
The physical security component of the Shaktishree scheme includes substantial infrastructure upgrades. CCTV cameras will be installed in 410 colleges among the selected institutions, with approximately 82 institutes being equipped each year throughout the five-year implementation period. The placement of these surveillance systems will be determined through consultations between institute heads, internal complaints committees, and Shaktishree empowerment cells.
Additionally, annual campus safety audits will be conducted across all 746 identified institutes. These comprehensive evaluations will examine multiple factors including:
- Overall institutional safety measures for female students
- Documented complaints of sexual harassment
- Actions taken in response to reported incidents
Empowerment Campaigns and Holistic Support
Beyond security infrastructure, the scheme incorporates proactive empowerment initiatives through SAFE campaigns (Shaktishree Actions for Female Empowerment). These campaigns will focus on building confidence, developing leadership skills, and creating supportive peer networks among girl students. The program also emphasizes the implementation of standardized codes of conduct across all participating institutions, as recently released by the higher education department.
The Shaktishree scheme represents a paradigm shift in how educational institutions address gender-specific challenges in higher education. By combining physical security measures with psychological support and empowerment initiatives, Odisha is creating a model that could influence campus safety programs nationwide.
