The college authorities signed the document following a prolonged meeting with students who had been holding a sit-in near the campus main gate. IIT Bombay: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay Director Prof Shireesh Kedare signed an 18-point student charter after three days of protests following the suicide of a student who was allegedly caught cheating in an exam.
The demand also included suspension of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and no action against the protesters. Student representation: Students have demanded equal representation and voting rights on relevant academic and non-academic committees, without an administrative veto. Review of decisions: They have sought a review of unilateral administrative decisions that affect student culture without prior consultation. Hostel wing support: Students have demanded that second- and third-year students be allotted adjacent rooms to preserve existing student wing networks.
On Sunday night, the IIT Bombay administration met the protesting students to look into their 18 demands that included ensuring student representation in academic committees, independent investigation into four cases of death by suicide on campus, and mental health workshops for professors. DAC cases: The charter seeks mandatory involvement of student mentors, companions and buddies, along with proper documentation when students face malpractice proceedings Counselling services: Students have demanded one counsellor for every 250 students, at least one counsellor per hostel and regular audits of the Student Wellness Centre. Dean SA accessibility: The Dean SA office should allocate at least 20 hours a week for one-on-one student interactions, with written responses within 18 hours.
