Bhubaneswar, Jan 12: In a significant move aimed at ensuring the dignity, safety and welfare of girl students, the Odisha government has directed all aided, government and autonomous colleges in the state to provide at least one functional girls’ toilet on their campuses by March 8, 2026, coinciding with International Women’s Day.

The directive was issued through a circular by Sujata Subhadarshini Nayak, Joint Secretary of the Higher Education Department, stressing the urgency of the matter. Colleges have been instructed to submit detailed information in a tabular or prescribed format regarding the availability and condition of girls’ toilets on their premises.

As per the circular, institutions must report whether girls’ toilets are available, their functional status, and whether any repairs, renovation or new construction is required. Colleges that currently lack such facilities have also been asked to clearly mention the same in their submissions.

To ensure sustained hygiene and usability, the government has directed colleges to maintain the toilets using their own funds. Additionally, each institution must constitute a sanitation committee to monitor regular cleaning, maintenance and overall upkeep of the facilities.

Describing the directive as “most urgent,” the government reaffirmed its commitment to providing basic civic amenities in higher education institutions, emphasizing that access to safe and functional sanitation facilities is essential for promoting inclusive and gender-sensitive campuses across the state.

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