IIT-B students seek task force, senior officials' resignation
MUMBAI, Sept. 20 -- Students at IIT-Bombay have handed over a 12-point list of demands to the institute's administration, seeking the resignation of the institute's director and other senior officials as well as a task force to address student suicides at the country's most elite engineering institution.
The move comes amid student protests at IIT-B's Powai campus after Friday's student suicide. The protests, which began on Friday night, continued on Saturday. Students said the agitation will continue until the director and other senior officials resign.
On Saturday, more than 100 students assembled at the institute's main gate. The agitation focused on academic pressure, examination rules and the way disciplinary matters are handled.
IIT-B director Shireesh Kedare held discussions with students on Friday, but the students said they were not satisfied with the outcome.
Students posted a 12-point list of demands on social media, which include the resignation of the institute's director, dean of student affairs and examination officials. They are also demanding student representation in examination and academic committees; an inquiry into Friday's alleged death by suicide; an independent inquiry into earlier student suicides; and a task force to address student suicides.
Joining the agitation on Saturday were the parents of the deceased student, alleging that caste discrimination and pressure could have contributed to their son's death.
Students cited undue examination pressure as a major concern, noting instances when two, and even three, exams are scheduled on the same day.
The institute told students it would increase its focus on student mental health....
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