No decision on PG Students termination Policy yet, IIT Kanpur issues clarification

Three students at the institute allegedly died by suicide between December 19 and January 18, prompting heightened concern and protests on campus.

In response to recent reports on the termination policy for postgraduate (PG) students at IIT Kanpur, the institute has issued an official statement to clarify its position. A committee has been formed to assess feedback from students and provide recommendations for consideration by relevant bodies, including academic departments, the senate, and the board. One proposal suggests not terminating PG students due to academic deficiencies.

However, Prof. Shalabh, Dean of Academic Affairs, emphasized that no decision has been made on this proposal, and changes in termination policy have so far only been implemented for undergraduate (UG) students from 2022.

Concerns Over Mental Health Issues Among PhD Students

An internal survey conducted by the major students' body at IIT Kanpur sheds light on the challenges faced by research scholars, especially those pursuing PhD programs. The survey reveals alarming statistics, with 80% of respondents reporting mental health issues, and 60% admitting to contemplating dropping out of the research program. Many students expressed concerns about discrimination by guides, citing instances of "favouritism," "elitism," and "casteism."

The survey, conducted in July 2023 with responses from 200 research scholars, indicates that 34% are actively combating mental health issues. The report covers various aspects of scholars' lives, including academic, social, financial, and personal dimensions.

Student Suicides Raise Concerns

The release of this survey follows a series of tragic events involving student suicides at IIT Kanpur. Three students allegedly died by suicide between December 19 and January 18, prompting heightened concern and protests on campus.

On January 18, a 29-year-old PhD student was found dead in her hostel room. Another incident on January 10 involved an MTech student from the Department of Aerospace Engineering, who was discovered deceased in his hostel room after reportedly receiving a termination notice. The first incident occurred on December 19, 2023, involving a post-doctoral research student from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering.

Protests and Demands for Change

The third suicide on January 18 triggered protests on campus, with students advocating for significant changes in the academic environment. Among their demands are an early thesis review, evaluation twice per semester, and the establishment of an ombudsman panel featuring faculty, an external member, and student representatives.

IIT Kanpur is now facing a critical juncture, grappling with both the termination policy concerns and the pressing need to address the mental health challenges faced by its research scholars. The institute's response and actions in the coming weeks will likely shape its future policies and support systems for students.