The Odisha government has instructed all higher education institutions across the state to reinstate vital statutory committees, including anti-ragging panels, ahead of the 2026–27 academic session. This directive applies to state and private universities, deemed universities, and government-aided and unaided degree colleges.
Why Odisha Is Reviving Anti-Ragging and Grievance Committees
In a letter dated August 5, the Higher Education department highlighted that many teaching and non-teaching staff members have recently been transferred, retired, or otherwise left their positions. These changes have left several key committees incomplete or inactive. To ensure student safety and proper grievance handling, the department has mandated that all such committees be reviewed and reconstituted immediately.
The committees affected include the anti-ragging committee, anti-ragging squad, anti-ragging monitoring cell, internal committee (IC), students' grievance redressal committee, and ombudsperson roles where applicable. The goal is to have these bodies fully operational before academic activities resume.
Key Instructions for Institutions
- Review and update the composition of all relevant committees to reflect current staff and members.
- Reconstitute any committee that is incomplete or non-functional due to staff changes.
- Ensure committees comply with applicable laws, UGC regulations, and government guidelines, including representation of women, students, SC/ST communities, and external members where required.
- Issue fresh office orders listing each member’s name, designation, role, contact number, official email, and tenure.
- Make committee details publicly accessible by displaying them on institutional websites, notice boards, and hostels.
- Update committee information on the Higher Education Information Management System (HIMS) Portal promptly.
- Complete the reconstitution process within seven days of receiving the directive and before the start of the 2026–27 academic session.
Why This Move Matters for Student Safety and Support
Ragging remains a serious concern in educational institutions across India, and Odisha’s renewed focus on anti-ragging committees aims to strengthen preventive measures and support systems for students. By ensuring these committees are active and properly staffed, institutions can respond more effectively to complaints and grievances.
Having clear points of contact and transparent grievance redressal mechanisms also helps build trust among students and parents. The inclusion of diverse representation on these committees ensures that various perspectives are considered, making the committees more effective in addressing issues related to harassment, discrimination, and other student welfare concerns.
With the academic year approaching, this directive underscores the state government’s commitment to creating safer and more supportive learning environments. Institutions are now responsible for implementing these changes swiftly to meet the deadline and uphold student rights and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which institutions must comply with this directive?
A: All higher education institutions in Odisha, including state and private universities, deemed universities, and government-aided or unaided degree colleges, must comply.
Q: What committees need to be reconstituted?
A: Committees such as the anti-ragging committee, anti-ragging squad, anti-ragging monitoring cell, internal committee, students' grievance redressal committee, and ombudsperson roles must be reviewed and reconstituted if necessary.
Q: What is the deadline for completing the reconstitution?
A: Institutions must complete the constitution or reconstitution of these committees within seven days of receiving the government’s letter and before the start of the 2026–27 academic session.
