Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22 (UDN): The Odisha Higher Education Department has directed state public universities and government and aided colleges to complete the selection of Shaktishree Saathi and Female Class Representatives (FCRs) for the 2026-27 academic session.
The institutions have also been instructed to update the details of the selected representatives and the Shaktishree Sanjojika on the designated Shaktishree web portal.
The directive was issued by Director of Higher Education Kaliprasanna Mahapatra in a letter dated September 21.
Sanjojika Role To Continue Where Applicable
According to the department, institutions can retain their existing Shaktishree Sanjojika if she continues to perform the assigned responsibilities. In such cases, a fresh appointment will not be necessary, and institutions only need to update her details on the portal.
If the existing Sanjojika has been transferred, retired, relieved from service or assigned other responsibilities, the institution will have to nominate another suitable female faculty member. The department has advised institutions to preferably select a regular faculty member for the role.
Institutions with a large student population may also designate one or more Associate Shaktishree Sanjojikas to assist in coordinating activities. In colleges, the Principal will take the decision, while the Dean of Student Welfare will make the designation in universities.
Final-Year Student To Be Shaktishree Saathi
The department has directed each institution to select one female student from the final year as the Shaktishree Saathi.
The Saathi will serve as a peer-level representative and help facilitate student participation, awareness and coordination in activities undertaken through the Shaktishree initiative.
FCRs To Be Selected From Departments
Female Class Representatives will also be selected from individual departments. Depending on the programmes offered, institutions will nominate one final-year FCR from undergraduate courses and one from postgraduate courses.
The representatives will act as a communication link among female students and assist with participation and coordination of Shaktishree-related programmes and initiatives.
Portal Update Made Mandatory
The Higher Education Department has asked institutions to complete the selection process in accordance with the guidelines issued through its previous communications.
Once the appointments are finalised, institutions must upload the relevant details on the Shaktishree portal. They have also been asked to submit a duly signed physical copy containing details of the Sanjojika, Saathi and FCRs to the Higher Education Department for record purposes.
The department said the exercise is intended to strengthen the functioning of Shaktishree Empowerment Cells and ensure coordinated implementation of the initiative across higher educational institutions in Odisha.
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