+100%-
Utkal University
Bhubaneswar, Odisha
ଉତ୍କଳ ବିଶ୍ୱବିଦ୍ୟାଳୟ
ଭୁବନେଶ୍ୱର, ଓଡ଼ିଶା

About the SEC

Shaktishree Empowerment Cells are a part of the Shaktishree initiative announced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha to ensure safety of women in all public higher education institutions. The Shaktishree Empowerment Cell is a permanent, round-the-year body established in all colleges and universities across the state.

Objectives of the Cell

  • The student-led cell is meant to promote security, empowerment and safe environment on campuses for female students and staff.
  • 2.To prevent atrocities against female students and to empower them through self-defence training, legal awareness, and mental health support.
  • 3.To ensure holistic safety of all female students by focusing on strengthening campus safety and promoting physical, mental, legal, and digital security for all.
SEC Annual Calendar 2026-27

Composition and Functions of the Cell

The Shaktishree imitative of the Government is designed to safeguard higher education campuses by establishing a comprehensive safety ecosystem. At the heart of this initiative is the Shaktishree Empowerment Cell, a permanent, student-led body in each institution that will function throughout the year. This cell is coordinated by a female student designated as Shaktishree Saathi and a female faculty member called Shaktishree Sanjojika. Additionally, five prominent female professionals selected by the district collector, known as Shakti Apas, will act as mentors and visit each institution quarterly to guide and support students. The empowerment cell is tasked with conducting a mandatory six-day intensive training program for students along with continuous activities to enhance their self-confidence and awareness about safety and rights.

A calendar of activities has been prepared for the cell which includes addressing issues related to gender-based violence, conducting a six-day training programme on self-defence, seminars and workshops aiming at generating awareness amongst the students on legal rights and mental health.

Members of SEC

Prof. Bhaswati Patnaik

Director, Students’ Welfare & Professor of Psychology Utkal University

Dr. Swapna S. Prabhu

Shaktishree Sanjojika & Assistant Professor of Political Science Utkal University

Ms. Tejasmita Bagh

Shaktishree Saathi & PG Student, Department of Public Administration Utkal University

News Report