Education ministry reviews NIT-K, IIEST Shibpur functioning; unveils initiatives for students' well-being

The Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan held a meeting today to review the functioning of NIT Kurukshetra and IIEST Shibpur and the overall well-being of students across higher educational institutions (HEIs). Key decisions were taken to introduce immediate and medium-term measures and interventions for all HEIs under the education ministry.

According to the official PIB press release, the officials took a detailed look at the academic environment, campus life, and hostel management at these institutes and noted that urgent steps were required to improve the functioning of campuses.

Pradhan further highlighted the need to identify “specific themes for intervention requiring student engagement”, faculty and alumni involvement, academic support, culture at campuses, hostel functioning, sports culture, and overall campus management.

Notably, the need to standardise faculty appointments, and ensure faculty representation in the board of governors (BoGs), and appointment of individuals with adequate time as chairperson of BoG were also addressed.

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NIT Kurukshetra’s review report soon

Earlier, the education ministry withdrew the administrative powers of the NIT Kurukshetra’s director and constituted a three-member committee to review the overall functioning of the institute.

The committee comprising Anil Sahasrabudhe, the chairman of National Education Technology Forum (NETF), M Madan Gopal (Retd) IAS and chairperson of board of governors at VNIT Nagpur, and KK Shukla the director of MANIT Bhopal, were asked to assess academic and administrative performance, recruitment and grievance-related issues, institutional indicators such as NIRF rankings, etc.

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The committee is examining the series of issues tasked and will likely submit its report soon, as per the official PIB press release.

The move was taken after four BTech students died by suicide on campus in the past two months, besides the case of another student, who allegedly attempted suicide on campus.

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New measures to build a ‘student-centric campus’

The meeting was attended by the chairperson and BoGs of NIT Kurukshetra; the higher education secretary and other senior officials of the education ministry . Key measures to be introduced at the institutes are listed below.

Immediate measures at the institutes

• Quick improvement in hostel facilities to make student living conditions better.
• A faculty upgradation programme will be held during May and June 2026, focusing on campus life, supporting students' well-being and studies, and creating a positive campus environment, with outcomes expected by July 2026.
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be introduced to improve student engagement and innovation in academia as well as in non-academic areas.

Medium-term measures at the institutes

• Sports facilities will be provided, and regular competitions will be held for students to promote holistic development.
• Training programmes will be introduced for teachers and academic staff to create a supportive and positive campus environment.
• On-campus leadership talks and activities will be held with alumni to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and a “can-do” culture.

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Interventions for all HEIs under education ministry

As per the official PIB press release, a committee comprising directors of HEIs, alumni, faculty, and students will be formed to suggest a student-centric campus. Also, efforts will be taken to promote sports culture, along with improvements in academic buildings, labs, libraries, hostels, dining facilities, and recreational clubs.

Additionally, the ministry will develop a framework to address academic and infrastructural issues across HEIs, with a focus on students' well-being.