- IIT Mumbai announced that mid-semester examinations are postponed until the situation stabilises and changes are implemented.
- Ceiling fans to be removed from hostels and replaced with wall-mounted fans.
- Twin-sharing hostel room arrangement under consideration for student safety.
IIT Bombay Hostel Rules: Several changes are being implemented at IIT Bombay after the death of student Sahil Wakode. Most of these measures concern student safety; the institute is also considering a "twin-sharing" arrangement for hostel rooms.
Serious questions have been raised about the institute following the student's death. Students are staging continuous protests and pressing for various demands. Meanwhile, IIT Bombay has initiated several changes, ranging from hostel regulations to other operational matters, in the wake of 19-year-old Sahil Wakode's death.
Mid-semester examinations have also been postponed for the time being. Here's a look at the changes that have already taken place at IIT Bombay in recent days, and the measures currently under consideration.
Mid-semester Exams postponed
IIT Bombay has postponed the mid-semester examinations that were underway on campus. These will not resume until the situation stabilises and the planned changes are implemented. Reports indicate the remaining exams are likely to be held in the second week of October.
Removal of Ceiling Fans From Hostels
In light of the student's suicide, IIT Bombay is preparing to remove ceiling fans from hostel rooms, replacing them with wall-mounted fans, a decision taken with student safety in mind.
Considering the Twin-Sharing Model
IIT Bombay is currently weighing a twin-sharing arrangement to ensure student safety, under which no student would stay alone in a hostel room. Preparations are underway to extend shared accommodation to students across all semesters.
Many students experience loneliness and slide into distress under academic pressure and other stresses; twin-sharing is meant to give them someone to talk to. The proposal was raised at an open-house meeting and is currently under consideration.
Focus on Student Counselling:
Following the student's death, the institute has decided to increase counselling hours. Continuous interaction with students will be maintained, with mental health made a priority. Students needing help are meant to receive immediate support, with a renewed focus on wellness programmes.