Majority of IITs, NITs, IIITs have SC/ST students cells: Education Ministry

19 IITs, 14 IIITs, 7 IISER, IISc, 20 IIMs and 26 NITs have SC/ST students’ cells.

As many as 61 students of IIT, NIT and IIM have died by suicide in the last five years. As per data shared by the Ministry of Education, during the last five years, 33 suicide cases from IITs, 24 cases from NITs and 4 cases from IIMs have been reported.

While replying to a question in the Lok Sabha regarding the death of an IIT Bombay student on whether the Government has taken note of reports on suicides of students, particularly those belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs)/Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Central Institutions of Higher education and the recent one in the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, the ministry has informed that after the suicide was reported in IIT Bombay, the Institute has provided all necessary support to the family of the deceased.

In addition, IIT Bombay has done an internal investigation through its Ex-Chief Vigilance Officer and the institute is further strengthening its existing mechanism for the prevention and early detection of psychological stress. IIT Bombay is also cooperating with the SIT formed by the Maharashtra Government in their investigation.

On the question related to the details of SC/ST students cells formed in Central Institutions of Higher Education and those institutions not having such cells, Minister of State in Education Ministry Dr Subhas Sarkar informed that there are 23 IITs, 25 IIITs, 7 IISERs, 20 IIMs, 32 NITs and one IISc. Out of this, 19 IITs, 14 IIITs, 7 IISER, 1 IISc, 20 IIMs and 26 NITs have SC/ST students’ cells. Remaining institutions in order to proactively address any issues of SC/ ST students have set up mechanisms such as Equal Opportunity Cell, Student Grievance Cell, Student Grievance Committee, Student Social Club, Liaison officers, Liaison Committee etc.

He also informed that the Ministry has undertaken various steps such as peer-assisted learning, and the introduction of technical education in regional languages for students in order to ease academic stress. “The Government of India initiative, named MANODARPAN, covers a wide range of activities to provide psychological support to students, teachers and families for mental and emotional well-being during the COVID outbreak and beyond. Besides this, students’ specialised psychological counselling helplines, students’ wellness centres, buddy-support systems and various other measures have been implemented in IITs and other Institutions, for early detection of cases of psychological stress,” Sarkar stated.

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