IIT Guwahati director promises policy changes, access to counsellors ahead of open house

NEW DELHI: In response to widespread protests by students at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT G) following the death of a third-year computer science engineering student, the institute’s director, Devendra Jalihal, has issued an official statement addressing the concerns raised by the student community. In his letter, the IIT Guwahati director expressed deep sadness over a student's recent death and pledged to enhance suicide prevention efforts and improve access to psychological counseling on campus.

This comes after the 21-year-old student was found dead in his hostel room, marking the second student death in a month and the fourth at the institution this year. The incident triggered a massive protest on campus, with students accusing the administration of not addressing critical mental health concerns and creating an environment of academic pressure.

IIT Guwahati Student Death: Director pledges for widespread counseling access

In an email sent to all students, faculty, and staff, Director Jalihal expressed his deep sadness over the loss and acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He pledged to take immediate steps to increase awareness about suicide prevention and make psychological counsellors more accessible across campus, including in hostels.

"At the outset, I express my deep sense of sadness at the recent loss of life of our student. Today being the World Suicide Prevention Day, I pledge to work towards increasing awareness on suicide prevention and making access to psychological counsellors more widespread and easier on the campus and in the hostels," the director wrote.

Protest at IIT Guwahati over student death

The Director’s mail read, “Yesterday's loss of life was the proverbial last straw on the camel's back for our students. They started gathering at the Admin Building in large numbers and by aftermoon the number crossed a thousand. I talked to them in two sessions, from 4 to 6 p.m. and from 7:30 to 9.30 pm. At the end of the first session, the students gave me a list of their grievances containing about 15 Points. In the second session I addressed the students and discussed each of the 15 points.”

IIT Guwahati director pledges for policy changes

Director Jalihal noted that several of the demands, including issues related to mental well-being, could be addressed immediately, while others, such as reforms to the attendance policy, would require discussion with the Senate and student representatives. “Solutions to many of the grievances were well within my powers as Director on which I could announce amendments to the existing rules immediately There were some that needed wider discussion and a discussion in the Senate before announcing it as a policy, such as the attendance rule. I am sure these points will also be discussed, and a decision made in support of the students' demands, all the while taking input from the Student Representatives in the Senate, ”he further added.

His email emphasized two key objectives moving forward: improving mental health and fostering a caring relationship between students, staff, and faculty. He urged students to continue attending classes to ensure that the academic environment is not disrupted but promised to meet with students again after a candlelight march organized by the Student Gymkhana to honor the deceased.

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IIT Guwahati Protest Over Student Death: Agenda for improved student life

The students' letter listed a series of immediate and long-term demands, including the resignation of the Dean of Academic Affairs (DOAA) and Professor Vinay Wagh, a formal apology from the administration, and written assurances from the Dean of Student Affairs (DOSA) regarding the immediate resolution of critical issues.

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The students’ immediate demands were aimed at addressing the gap between faculty and students, restoring trust, and preventing further tragedies. The letter also highlighted long-standing concerns such as academic stress and rigid attendance policies, calling for reforms to mid-semester and end-semester exam schedules, restricting academic activities on weekends, and reintroducing a mid-semester break. Additionally, students demanded the formation of a committee to oversee student-professor interactions and the restructuring of certain courses.

Key points in the long-term agenda included making academic and industrial visits an annual requirement, recognizing placement and internship seasons as official student activities, and providing 24/7 accessible spaces for students to study and interact across all genders.

IIT Guwahati Student Death: Open house session with director

In addition to the IIT Guwahati director's response, the general secretary of the Student Welfare Board announced a two-part event in observance of World Suicide Prevention Week, including an awareness rally and an open house session where students could directly engage with the director and deans to discuss their concerns.