Odisha Government Urges Enforcement of Sexual Harassment Act, 2013

• Odisha government orders colleges to implement provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013 (POSH) following a student’s self-immolation.

• Institutions must sensitize teachers, non-teaching staff, and students on POSH and display the women’s helpline number 181.

• Universities and colleges are instructed to conduct workshops on POSH and UGC’s 2015 regulations addressing harassment in higher educational institutions.

• The government has issued directives mandating internal committees in colleges, schools, and government offices since July 14.

• The student, a second-year B.Ed. candidate, died after setting herself ablaze after a complaint against a teacher went unaddressed.