Thu Jul 17 12:22:12 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a news article based on that summary.
**Summary of Text**
Following public outrage over the death of a student in Balasore who died after self-immolation due to alleged sexual harassment, the Odisha government has directed all District Education Officers (DEOs) to ensure safe environments for women employees and students in schools. The School and Mass Education Secretary, Shalini Pandit, has issued a letter instructing DEOs to implement the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, constitute Internal Complaints Committees, and create a safe environment for students’ overall well-being. DEOs are also instructed to implement a gender equity program called Barnali, display helpline numbers, and are warned that any deviations from the instructions will be viewed seriously.
**News Article**
**Odisha Government Mandates School Safety Review After Student’s Tragic Death**
**Bhubaneswar, July 17, 2025** – In the wake of widespread public outcry following the death of a BEd student in Balasore, Odisha, the state government has ordered a comprehensive review of safety measures in all schools across the state. The student died on Monday after setting herself on fire, allegedly due to inaction on complaints of sexual harassment against a professor.
School and Mass Education Secretary Shalini Pandit has issued a directive to all District Education Officers (DEOs), demanding immediate action to protect women employees and students, particularly girls, within the school system.
The directive mandates the strict implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. DEOs are instructed to review and ensure the timely constitution of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in all eligible schools and to ensure all provisions of the Act are followed.
“It is imperative that we create a safe environment in schools that supports the physical, mental, and socio-emotional well-being of all students,” stated Secretary Pandit in her letter.
The DEOs have also been tasked with implementing “Barnali,” a gender equity program designed to promote positive gender attitudes and behaviors among students, teachers, and parents. This initiative will be integrated into the social studies curriculum to eliminate gender-based violence in schools.
Furthermore, all schools and residential hostels are required to prominently display helpline numbers, including the women’s helpline (181), child helpline (1098), police helpline (112), and the school student helpline (18003456722).
Secretary Pandit issued a stern warning, stating that any failure to comply with these instructions will be met with serious consequences.
*This article includes information from The Hindu.*
*(Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts are encouraged to seek help and counseling by calling the helpline numbers listed above.)*
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