MARGAO
Against the backdrop of the latest suicide by a female student on Sunday, the South Goa District Level Monitoring Committee has told BITS Pilani to frame a policy on how to contain students’ suicides taking place at the campus.
On its part, BITS Pilani has unveiled before the panel the initiatives undertaken for student welfare, including the engagement of counsellors and psychiatrists to support students dealing with stress and depression-related issues.
Dean, BITS Pilani Suman Kundu made submissions before the 3rd District Level Monitoring Committee meeting chaired by Collector & District Magistrate, South Goa, Egna Cleetus, IAS, in the presence of Superintendent of Police (South Goa) Tikam Singh Verma, Director of Higher Education, Bhushan Sawaikar. Officials from the Departments of Technical Education, Social Welfare, Health Services, Tribal Welfare, and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Vasco were also present.
Based on observations made during the inquiry into the death of the latest student, the committee has recommended securing the campus though the Dean maintained that the campus is under CCTV surveillance.
The Dean briefed the monitoring committee how BITS has organised several mental wellness and rejuvenation camps to refresh and enhance the overall mental well-being of students.
The Dean informed that the Goa campus has implemented a comprehensive framework to support student wellness, mental health, academic success, and campus life through integrated institutional initiatives.
He further informed that key programmes include Mitr, a faculty-led hostel outreach initiative encouraging open conversations, and Sethu, a structured mentorship system connecting every student with faculty mentors. “Peer-based support is strengthened through Mental Health Buddies (in collaboration with Rahat Trust), TAG”an anonymous student support group”and a robust Peer Mentorship Programme for freshers”, he further informed.
He said that professional care is provided through expanded Mpower Centre comprising psychologists, therapists, and a psychiatrist, along with 24x7 medical services, dedicated helplines, COOJ counselling, and Myndwell assessments for early identification and intervention. He further said that faculty members and wardens have undergone Mental Health First Aid and Gatekeeper training.
Stressing on academic reforms, the Dean pointed out that the reforms include liberal evaluation practices, spaced examinations, curriculum restructuring, and the introduction of BITS K101 “ Physical Well-being and Creativity. He further informed that innovation is promoted through initiatives such as Challengathon and a 24x7 Innovation Lab.
Concluding his presentation, the Dean informed that campus life has been enhanced through extended sports facilities, open gyms, shuttle services, upgraded hostels, and expanded library hours. “Campus safety is ensured through comprehensive CCTV coverage, X-ray screening, and a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct”, he added.
