IISER Pune students launch indefinite sit-in, seek changes to mental health, hostel policies

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) students have launched an indefinite sit-in protest on the Pune campus over demands related to mental health policies, hostel restrictions and disciplinary action against both male and female students. They are demanding revocation of the suspension of Student Council General Secretary Raj Bagwe, who was also removed from his post.

Bagwe had reportedly raised concerns with the institute via email over an alleged sexual harassment incident on campus, following which disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him. Students have claimed that he was initially suspended for one year, which was later reduced to six months.

The institute, however, has said that Bagwe's suspension followed a "thorough investigation by a committee based on complaints received" and that he had appealed against the decision.

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IISER Pune students' demand

The students are seeking:

• Improvements in IISER Pune's mental health support system
• Changes to what they describe as "oppressive" gender-based hostel restrictions
• Extended access to campus spaces and facilities
• Protection from disciplinary action for participating in peaceful protests

On hostel restrictions, IISER Pune said stricter implementation of hostel rules was introduced after some women residents of Hostel 3 raised concerns about their safety. The institute said the measures were intended to prevent unauthorised entry into hostel buildings, while common areas on the ground floor remained accessible to all students.

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The protest also comes amid concerns over student wellbeing following the death of a student on campus on August 16. IISER Pune said that at around 9:45 pm that day, a woman student was found seriously injured outside a hostel building and was taken to hospital, where she could not be saved. The institute said it had informed her parents and police and was extending support to the ongoing investigation.

Following the incident, the institute said it cancelled classes for the next day and arranged campus-wide individual and group counselling sessions. It said it currently has two full-time counsellors and two additional counsellors have been brought in through the Campus Mental Wellbeing Centre. The institute is also in the process of hiring one or two more full-time counsellors.

IISER Pune said academic accommodations and flexible attendance policies were also being considered to support students affected by the incident.