MP Brittas Seeks Education Minister's Intervention on Alarming Suicides at NIT Kurukshetra

The alarming frequency of student suicides and suicide attempts at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra has prompted a strong call for action from CPI(M) Rajya Sabha leader John Brittas. In a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Brittas highlighted the 'alarming series' of tragic incidents over the past two months, including four alleged B.Tech student deaths by suicide between February 16 and April 16, and a recent suicide attempt. This situation, Brittas argues, raises serious questions about student safety, institutional response mechanisms, and the adequacy of mental health support within the premier educational institution.

Brittas's letter points to new reports indicating that NIT Kurukshetra has recorded four suicide cases in the last two months alone, with three occurring in April. He expressed significant apprehension regarding the institute's handling of these incidents, citing concerns about transparency, sensitivity, and adherence to proper emergency protocols. Furthermore, allegations have surfaced regarding the ineffectiveness of the mentor-mentee system and the alleged insensitivity of some faculty members, whose remarks may have exacerbated students' distress. These deeply concerning issues necessitate immediate and independent examination.

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The recurrence of such tragic incidents within a premier national institution of higher education raises serious questions regarding student safety, institutional response mechanisms, and the adequacy of mental health support systems….[And] suggests the existence of deeper systemic concerns requiring immediate and independent examination.

In response to the escalating crisis, NIT Kurukshetra took measures, including transferring two professors blamed by protesting students for negligence and asking approximately 5,500 students to vacate their hostels by April 19. The institute also announced holidays until further notice. However, Brittas noted that the 'sudden closure' and the directive to vacate hostels at short notice have created significant academic and logistical challenges for students, especially those from distant states like Kerala and for Non-Resident Indian students, with end-semester examinations looming in early May. Brittas has urged the Minister and the NIT administration to form an independent expert committee to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to these repeated tragedies and to review the effectiveness of institutional emergency response protocols and standard operating procedures for student distress.

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to issue urgent directions for the constitution of an independent expert committee to comprehensively examine the circumstances leading to the repeated incidents, and to review the adequacy of institutional emergency response protocols and standard operating procedures for addressing situations involving student distress.