IISER Pune Addresses Student Demands Amidst Protest

A student sit-in at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune has continued for six days as the administration addresses a list of student demands. The institute provided a response on August 31, outlining measures for mental health support, attendance policies, hostel mobility, common space access, and protection against retaliatory actions.

IISER Pune is bolstering its mental health services by hiring additional counselors and providing suicide prevention training. The institute is also exploring on-campus psychiatric services and expanding referral options for psychiatric care, with plans to reimburse emergency medical expenses.

Regarding hostel facilities, IISER Pune is preparing to permit PhD students to move between male and female hostels after consulting with residents. They are also making common rooms accessible and establishing gender-neutral washrooms across all hostels, alongside extending hours for sports and gym facilities.

The institute reiterated its assurance that peaceful protests would not face disciplinary action. However, IISER Pune clarified that the director cannot revoke decisions made by the appellate authority, explaining that a suspended former student council general secretary's case followed due process.