Bhubaneshwar

The Odisha government has instructed all higher educational institutions in the state to strengthen anti-ragging mechanisms and improve mental health support systems for students, officials said.

According to a recent notification issued by the Higher Education Department, colleges and universities have been asked to reinforce anti-ragging committees, squads and monitoring cells in line with existing guidelines.

Institutions have also been directed to maintain round-the-clock vigilance in hostels and other vulnerable areas of campuses through proper duty rosters and regular surprise inspections.

The notification stated that the directives were issued following recommendations made by the National Human Rights Commission in August 2025.

The government has further asked educational institutions to ensure representation of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities in anti-ragging committees and associated bodies.

Institutions have also been instructed to establish independent monitoring systems for regular assessment and review of anti-ragging measures.

To improve grievance redressal, the department has proposed a three-tier mechanism consisting of institutional-level cells, monitoring agencies and district-level committees, the notification added.

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The Higher Education Department has additionally emphasised the importance of conducting awareness campaigns, orientation programmes for freshers, counselling services and mental health support initiatives for students across campuses.