IIT Bombay forms committees to revamp SC‑ST cell and boost mental‑health support after student death

What Happened

IIT Bombay set up a review committee to suggest changes to its Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC‑ST) cell after a student’s alleged suicide on September 18 sparked protests across the campus. The death prompted students to present a long list of demands to the director, asking for clear deadlines on each point. Among the demands was the need to give the SC‑ST cell real powers and to include student representatives so that complaints from marginalized students can be acted on quickly. In response, the institute also created a separate committee to examine hostel conditions and to improve mental‑health support for all students.

Reaction

Students argued that the existing SC‑ST cell existed only on paper and could not intervene effectively in complaints. A senior IIT Bombay official, who asked to remain unnamed, said the review committee will study the demands and propose ways to strengthen the cell’s authority. The same official explained that the new mental‑health committee will meet students, collect their suggestions, and look at possible changes to campus infrastructure that could make the environment safer and help prevent future suicides.

What’s Next

The institute advertised 30 temporary counsellor positions, four of which are senior roles, to boost mental‑health services on campus. More than 600 applications have been received; the selection panel will shortlist candidates and invite them for interviews. Both committees will submit their recommendations to the administration by a set timeline, after which the institute plans to implement any approved changes.

Context

SC‑ST cells in Indian universities are tasked with addressing grievances of historically disadvantaged groups. Strengthening such a cell and expanding mental‑health resources reflect a wider effort in Indian higher‑education institutions to improve student welfare and reduce suicide rates.