Following backlash, premier Odisha university withdraws order imposing restrictions on women staff and students
The order, issued by the registrar of the 157-year-old storied institution but withdrawn hours later, said: 'No female faculty, staff and students are permitted to remain in the workplace or on campus after 5.30 pm. This decision will remain in place until a formal Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) is issued, which will outline the necessary guidelines and protocols for work hours and safety measures'.
It was withdrawn through a separate order.
According to sources, university authorities may have been prompted to take the step in the wake of a student's suicide following alleged sexual harassment at a college in Odisha.
'However, the higher education department interfered saying that such an order would send the wrong message,' one official said.
When contacted, the university's registrar refused to comment, saying only that the order stood withdrawn.
Founded in 1868 with intermediate level classes at Cuttack Zilla School – known now as Ravenshaw Collegiate School — the Ravenshaw University became a degree college in 1876 and eventually became a state university. The college was named after Thomas Edward Ravenshaw, a British officer who remained in charge of Orissa until 1878, and was initially affiliated to Calcutta University.
Meanwhile, Odisha government has directed all departments to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 by all institutions/organisations.
In a letter to all secretaries and collectors, the Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja asked for strict implementation of the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act in workplaces and institutions to ensure a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, particularly for women.
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