Odisha's New ShaktiShree App: A Game Changer for Women's Education

Empowering Women Through Technology

Bhubaneswar: On Saturday, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi introduced the 'ShaktiShree' mobile application alongside an internship guideline book aimed at enhancing higher education within the state.

These initiatives were unveiled 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 bolster support systems for female students, focusing on improving safety and accessibility in higher education institutions.

Features include 24/7 SOS alerts, anonymous harassment reporting, mental health support, and connections to Internal Complaints Committees within institutions.

Additionally, the Chief Minister presented the internship guidelines, which aim to merge academic learning with practical experience, preparing students for the workforce through internships, community involvement, and skill-based education in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

In his address, CM Majhi emphasized that education transcends textbooks, serving as a cornerstone for progress and innovation, and reiterated the government's ambition to establish Odisha as a premier knowledge hub.

Minister Pradhan remarked that NEP 2020 represents a 'national mission' to elevate India as a global knowledge center, highlighting the critical role of skill development and innovation.

He commended Odisha for its distinctive fusion of culture and education, stressing the necessity of skill enhancement in shaping the future workforce.

Minister Suraj characterized the initiative as a pivotal advancement, stating, 'The launch of the ShaktiShree App and the internship guidelines signifies a new chapter in Odisha's higher education evolution. These initiatives will equip students, particularly young women, with the necessary tools, exposure, and confidence to thrive in a fast-changing global environment.'

The workshop provided a forum for policymakers, educators, and institutional leaders to discuss effective strategies for implementing NEP-2020.

Discussions during the event centered on improving the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), encouraging multidisciplinary education, and enhancing collaboration between industry and academia.