Students Stand Up: SFI Himachal Demands Justice for Survivors of Sexual Harassment in Schools & Colleges
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Himachal Pradesh unit, staged a powerful protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office today, voicing their anger against the alarming rise in sexual harassment cases in educational institutions across India. Holding banners and chanting slogans, students demanded accountability, justice, and safer campuses for all.
A Cry for Justice: From Odisha to Himachal
The protest was sparked by two shocking cases—one in Odisha and another right here in Himachal.
- In Balasore, Odisha, a female student at Fakir Mohan College set herself on fire after suffering prolonged sexual harassment by a professor. Despite repeatedly complaining to the college administration, police, and even BJP leaders, no action was taken. Her two friends, who tried to save her, are now battling severe burns.
- In Shimla, a 6th-grade student at a government school was sexually harassed by her Sanskrit teacher for months. Terrified, she stopped attending school until her family finally learned the truth and filed a police case. The accused teacher is now out on bail, leaving the community furious and fearful.
“This isn’t just negligence—it’s a system designed to protect predators,” said Sarita, SFI’s State Vice President. “From Odisha to Himachal, girls are being failed by those in power.”
A Nationwide Pattern of Betrayal
The students highlighted how this is not just about two cases—it’s a national crisis:
- In West Bengal, a law student was allegedly raped inside her college union office, with political forces shielding the accused.
- In Maharashtra, schoolgirls were strip-searched under the guise of “menstrual checks,” a brutal violation of their dignity.
“Whether it’s BJP, TMC, or Congress—the playbook is the same: silence victims, protect perpetrators,” an SFI leader said.
What SFI is Demanding:
- Immediate resignation of Odisha’s Higher Education Minister for his inaction.
- Fair investigations against accused professors, negligent officials, and corrupt ICC committees.
- Strict punishment for the Shimla school teacher and support for the survivor.
- Mandatory POSH Act implementation in all institutions with active gender-sensitive committees.
“Enough is Enough—We Won’t Stay Silent”
“When institutions fail, students must rise,” said Anil Thakur, SFI Himachal President. “We won’t let another life be destroyed because the system looked away.”
The protest ended with a vow to keep fighting—for every survivor, for every student who deserves safety, and for a future where no one has to suffer in silence.
– Anil Thakur
President, SFI Himachal
– Sunny Sekta
Secretary, SFI Himachal
(Let’s make education safe. Join the movement.)
Why This Matters:
- Sexual harassment in schools & colleges is rampant but underreported.
- Authorities often ignore complaints, leaving survivors without justice.
- Students are uniting to demand systemic change—because silence is no longer an option.
(Share this. Speak up. Stand with the survivors.)
