IIT Bombay orders review of SC-ST cell as campus unrest over student’s death continues

IIT Bombay has formed a committee to review its SC-ST cell, weeks after protests broke out on campus over the death of a second-year BTech student. A second panel will look at hostel conditions and how the institute supports students' mental health.

Sahil Wakode died on September 18. Students took to protests soon after, asking for accountability and changes in how the institute handles complaints.

Making the SC-ST cell stronger was one of their main demands. Students want the cell to have more power to act on complaints from SC and ST students, and they want more students on it so that grievances are actually heard.

A senior institute official said the new committee will go through these demands and suggest changes to how the cell works. The idea, the official said, is that the cell should be able to act on complaints and not remain only a formal body.

The second committee will speak to students about life in the hostels and take their suggestions. It will also check whether changes to hostel buildings and facilities could make the campus safer and more supportive.

IIT Bombay has also advertised 30 temporary counsellor posts, four of them for senior counsellors. Counsellors can be full-time or part-time.

According to a senior official, more than 600 people have applied. The applications will be screened and shortlisted candidates called for interviews.

Wakode's family has alleged that he faced caste-based discrimination. The allegations are under investigation, and the circumstances of his death are still being examined.

After the protests, students put a list of demands before the director and the administration and asked for clear timelines.

Besides the SC-ST cell, the demands covered how the institute deals with student grievances and mental health.