Odisha's Higher Education Institutions Urged to Reinstate Anti-Ragging Committees Ahead of New Academic Year

The Odisha government has issued a directive for all higher educational institutions to reinstate crucial statutory committees, particularly those focused on anti-ragging, ahead of the 2026-27 academic year. This initiative aims to ensure that institutions are equipped to handle student grievances and support effectively. The Higher Education department has emphasized the need for immediate review and reconstitution of various committees to maintain compliance with regulations. Institutions are required to display contact information for committee members prominently and ensure that these bodies are fully operational from the start of the academic session. This move underscores the government's commitment to creating a safe educational environment.

By Ambika Singh Aug 11, 2026, 12:59 IST

Revitalizing Anti-Ragging Measures in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has mandated that all higher education institutions in the state reinstate essential statutory committees, particularly those focused on anti-ragging, prior to the start of the academic year 2026-27.

In a communication directed to both state and private universities, including those deemed to be universities, as well as government-supported and independent degree colleges, the Higher Education department has instructed officials to promptly assess the status and structure of various committees, including the anti-ragging committee, anti-ragging squad, monitoring cell, internal committee (IC), grievance redressal committee, and ombudsperson, where applicable.

The letter, dated August 5, highlighted that numerous teaching and non-teaching staff members have been reassigned, retired, or are otherwise unavailable, which may have rendered some committees and cells incomplete or inactive.

As a result, the department has emphasized that any committee or cell that has not yet been established must be formed immediately in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, UGC guidelines, and government directives.

The letter stated, "If any chairperson, convener, nodal officer, or member is unavailable due to transfer, retirement, resignation, long leave, or other reasons, the respective committee or cell must be promptly reconstituted with eligible and currently serving members."

It is crucial to maintain the prescribed composition, quorum, tenure, and representation, including that of women, students, SC/ST communities, external members, and other mandated categories. Institutions are also required to issue new office orders detailing the name, designation, role, mobile number, official email address, and tenure of each member.

The newly formed committees and cells should be operational from the start of the academic session 2026-27, ready to handle complaints, grievances, and student support issues. Additionally, the details of these committees must be prioritized for updating on the HIMS Portal.

The contact information of chairpersons, members, nodal officers, counselors, and other designated personnel should be clearly displayed on institutional websites, notice boards, hostels, and other suitable locations.

The Registrar, Principal, or Head of the institution is responsible for ensuring that the constitution or reconstitution process is completed within seven days of receiving the letter and, at the latest, before the regular academic activities commence for the 2026-27 academic year.