University Grant Commission i.e. UGC is now seen to be strict regarding the continuous incidents of suicide of Nepali students in Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar. UGC has formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the cases of suicide of students in Bhubaneswar. This committee will investigate the suicide case in KIIT and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in future so that such incidents never happen again. UGC has ordered the committee to submit its report to the commission within 10 days.

Why was the committee formed?

Let us inform you that this committee has been formed after the suicide of a 20-year-old Nepali girl student in the hostel of KIIT in Bhubaneswar. The student was found hanging from the fan in her hostel. Earlier, on February 16, another Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal also committed suicide in the institute.

UGC Secretary Manish Joshi said, the commission has formed a fact-finding committee under the chairmanship of IGNOU's former Vice Chancellor Professor Nageshwar Rao to investigate the suicide cases of students in KIIT and suggest measures to prevent such incidents in future.

Who are the members of the committee?

In this committee, IGNOU's former Vice Chancellor Nageshwar Rao has been made the chairman, National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA) Vice Chancellor Shashikala Wanjari, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya's former Vice Chancellor HCS Rathore and UGC's Joint Secretary Sunita Sivach have been made coordinating officers.

Investigation will be done on these points

The institute's policy, academic pressure, complaint redressal system and student support structure will be checked.

The committee will also look at the mental health support systems of the institute, such as counselling, intervention framework, promptness of response from faculty.

The committee will review safety and security protocols, grievance redressal mechanism and anti-harassment measures.

The committee will conduct spot checks to ensure accurate implementation of student safety and well-being policies.

Interact with stakeholders, students, faculty members, administration and non-teaching staff to assess the culture of the institution, student experience and challenges.

Ensure that guidelines for promoting physical fitness, sports, health, welfare, psychological and emotional well-being are being followed in KIIT.