Bhubaneswar: The School and Mass Education Department of the Odisha Government has directed all District Education Officers (DEOs) to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of women employees at workplaces and create a secure environment for students, particularly girls, in schools.

In a letter to DEOs, the department emphasised the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The DEOs have been instructed to oversee the formation and reconstitution of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in all eligible establishments under their jurisdiction.

The letter also underlined the need for creating a safe environment in schools for the physical, mental, and socio-emotional well-being of all students. Special emphasis has been laid on promoting gender equity through the BARNALI (Gender Equity Programme) curriculum, which encourages positive gender attitudes and behaviours among students, teachers, and parents.

The department has mandated the strict implementation of this curriculum in all elementary and secondary schools across the state, integrating it with the Social Studies syllabus.

In addition, DEOs have been instructed to ensure that the following helpline numbers are prominently displayed in all schools, workplaces, and residential hostels:

1. Women Helpline – 181

2. Child Helpline – 1098

3. Police Helpline (ERSS) – 112

4. School Student Helpline – 18003456722