Ravenshaw University withdraws 5:30 PM curfew on female students and staff after backlash

Bhubaneswar, July 18: Following strong backlash and intervention from the Higher Education Department, Ravenshaw University in Cuttack has withdrawn its controversial directive that restricted female employees and students from staying on campus after 5:30 PM. The earlier order, issued on July 17, had sparked criticism for being gender-discriminatory and insensitive.

The directive, reportedly issued after a high-level meeting involving university officials and the anti-ragging committee, stated that no female faculty, research scholars, or students would be permitted on campus beyond 5:30 PM. It added that until a formal Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining safety measures and working hours was prepared, female staff would not be assigned any evening duties. In case of urgent work, written consent and departmental approval were required.

The decision came in the wake of the tragic self-immolation of a female student at Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College in Balasore on July 12, which had raised serious questions about campus safety for women.

However, after intervention by the Higher Education Department, which warned that the directive could "send the wrong message," the university swiftly withdrew the order, promising a comprehensive gender-neutral safety policy soon.