Home / Education / IIT Delhi Reforms Mental Health Support After Student Death
IIT Delhi Reforms Mental Health Support After Student Death
5 Nov
Summary
- IIT Delhi implements institutional reforms for mental health support.
- An external committee chaired by retired Justice Mukta Gupta submitted its report.
- New initiatives include hiring more psychologists and establishing grievance ombudsperson.
IIT Delhi is implementing comprehensive reforms to enhance its mental health support and student welfare systems, following the tragic death of student Rishikesh Kumar on August 22, 2026. An External Inquiry Committee, led by retired Delhi High Court Justice Mukta Gupta, has submitted its report, which focuses on systemic improvements.
IIT Delhi shared the committee's confidential recommendations with its community on October 31, 2026, and has incorporated student feedback into a time-bound implementation plan. Key initiatives include expanding mental health awareness campaigns, recruiting additional clinical psychologists and counselors, and hiring visiting psychiatrists.
The institute will also introduce formal re-entry protocols for students returning from leave, offering specialized support. Furthermore, an independent Student Grievance Ombudsperson will be established to improve the grievance redressal mechanism. A separate external committee will review the existing wellness policy and emergency protocols.
These measures aim to foster a more empathetic, transparent, and resilient campus environment. Mandatory workshops on empathy, soft skills, and mental health will also be conducted for staff and faculty.
