Odisha launches ‘ShaktiShree’ app to strengthen support for girl students

Odisha has introduced new measures to strengthen higher education with the launch of the “ShaktiShree” mobile application and the release of internship guidelines by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on May 2.

The announcements were made during a two-day national workshop attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

The ShaktiShree app is designed to support girl students by improving safety and access within higher education institutions.

It provides round-the-clock SOS alerts, options for anonymous reporting of harassment, mental health support, and links users to Internal Complaints Committees.

Alongside this, the state government unveiled internship guidelines aimed at bridging academic learning with practical experience.

The framework focuses on internships, community engagement, and skill-based learning in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020.

Speaking at the event, Majhi said education is not limited to textbooks but is the foundation of progress and innovation, reiterating the government's vision to transform Odisha into a leading knowledge hub.

Pradhan said NEP 2020 is "not merely a policy but a national mission" to position India as a global knowledge capital and stressed the importance of skill development and innovation.

He praised Odisha for its unique blend of culture and education and underscored the importance of skill development and innovation in shaping the future workforce.

Suraj described the initiative as a transformative step, stating, "The launch of the ShaktiShree App and the internship guidelines mark a new phase in Odisha's higher education journey. These initiatives will empower students, especially young women, with the tools, exposure, and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global landscape."

The workshop also brought together policymakers, academics, and institutional leaders to discuss the implementation of NEP 2020, with a focus on improving the Gross Enrollment Ratio, encouraging multidisciplinary education, and strengthening industry-academia collaboration.