Congress MP Demands Lok Sabha Debate on FM College Student’s Death

Bhubaneswar: Congress MP from Koraput, Saptagiri Ulaka, on Monday moved an Adjournment Motion in the Lok Sabha seeking an urgent discussion on the death of a student from Fakir Mohan (FM) Autonomous College in Balasore, Odisha. The student had allegedly attempted self-immolation following continuous harassment and later succumbed to her burn injuries while undergoing treatment at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

In his notice to the Speaker, Ulaka termed the incident as “deeply disturbing” and indicative of “systemic apathy and institutional failure.” He alleged that the student had faced ongoing harassment by certain faculty members and peers. Despite multiple verbal and written complaints, the college administration reportedly failed to take any substantial action.

“This incident has sent shockwaves across Odisha and the country,” Ulaka stated in the motion. “It exposes the systemic apathy, lack of accountability, and the absence of effective grievance redressal mechanisms in our educational institutions. It reflects a serious governance failure and a breach of the duty of care owed to students by both institutions and the state.”

The Congress MP urged Parliament to take up the issue on priority and ensure accountability of those involved in the negligence. He also proposed a series of corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Among his recommendations were a time-bound and supervised investigation into the case, immediate suspension of officials found guilty of negligence, mandatory safety audits in educational institutions, and the establishment of fully functional Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) on all campuses. Ulaka also called for strict enforcement of the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.

Further, he suggested the installation of surveillance systems across campuses, the creation of a 24×7 confidential digital complaint platform with tracking facilities, and the implementation of a rapid harassment response protocol with a 72-hour protective mandate. The Congress MP also advocated for trauma counselling for victims, protection for witnesses and the victim’s family, and a fast-track trial process monitored with strict timelines.

Ulaka’s motion reflects the growing public and political demand for accountability, systemic reforms, and improved safety measures in educational institutions following the shocking death of the FM College student.