After the recent loss of a student inside IIT Guwahati, the authority is now introducing comprehensive medical check-ups. Recognising the importance of understanding students’ medical history, IIT Guwahati is introducing a mandatory one-time medical checkup at the time of admission.
This will enable the institute to provide tailored support and ensure students receive the necessary care, IIT Guwahati stated.
IITG on Friday announced the implementation of several initiatives to support student’s mental well-being by dedicating counselling services at the hostel level and medical check-ups after the third student suicide took place on its campus this year.
Students protested broke out on the campus demanding flexibility in attendance and the resignation of some authorities leading to this decision
“IIT Guwahati is deeply saddened by the recent loss of student lives on our campus. The institute has conducted a thoroughly probed into each of these cases and has identified several factors contributing to these tragic events.
While many of these incidents were non-academic in nature, they underscore the urgent need for enhanced support systems and preventative measures to safeguard the well-being of our students,” an official statement said.
In addition, the students of IIT Guwahati have been encourages to come forward and discuss the challenges they may be facing, to reach out to every student and provide with necessary support a self- sustainable task force has been established.
“IIT Guwahati is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students. By prioritizing student well-being and implementing these comprehensive measures, we aim to prevent future tragedies and ensure the success of our students,” Prof. Devendra Jalihal, Director, IIT Guwahati, said in an official statement.
A 21-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh, part of the Computer Science and Engineering programme committed suicide and was found dead in his room earlier this month.
On August 9, a 23-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh as well, who was pursuing MTech, was found dead in her hostel room. Few months earlier in the month of April, a 20-year-old BTech student from Bihar was found dead in his hostel room allegedly in a case of death by suicide.
In the meanwhile, to discuss the demands made by the students of IIT Guwahati a senate meeting was held. The students made a key demand during an open house held in the wake of the suicides to resign the senior administrative members, including the dean of academic affairs.
IIT Guwahati students also called for relaxation in the policy that requires 75 per cent attendance to be eligible to appear for final exams — a verdict on the same is yet to be announced.
Call for relaxation in the attendance policy was made for the 75 per cent attendance policy to be eligible to appear in final exams, a verdict on the same is yet to be announced.
