Why another suicide on campus despite student welfare steps?
MARGAO
The death by suicide of a female student at the BITS Pilani Goa campus on the night of January 1 has once again brought the issue of student mental health into sharp focus, despite assurances of enhanced welfare measures following a similar incident in September last year.
The latest case takes the total number of student deaths at the premier higher educational institute to six.
A day after the incident, South Goa District Collector and District Magistrate Egna Cleetus, IAS, stated that the District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) had already recommended several measures in line with Supreme Court guidelines on student mental health and suicide prevention. These recommendations were made in the aftermath of a student’s death on the campus in September last year.
About a week later, during the third DLMC meeting chaired by Collector Cleetus, BITS Pilani Goa Campus Dean Suman Kundu informed the panel that the institute had undertaken multiple initiatives aimed at student welfare. These include the engagement of counsellors and psychiatrists to support students dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression.
However, the latest death has raised a critical question: why has the campus reported yet another suicide despite the implementation of student welfare measures between September 2025 and now?
In light of the recent incident, the Collector-headed monitoring panel is expected to issue further recommendations to the institute to prevent suicidal deaths.
“Based on certain observations following the recent death of a student at the campus, the District Level Monitoring Committee will issue further recommendations to BITS Pilani on how to contain student suicides at the campus,” Collector Cleetus said. “The panel has assessed the situation and is working with the BITS Pilani administration, keeping in mind the welfare of students.”
Dean Kundu reiterated before the panel that the Goa campus has put in place a comprehensive framework to support student wellness, mental health, academic success, and campus life through integrated institutional initiatives.
Meanwhile, Associate Professor of Forensic Science and Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine at South Goa District Hospital, Dr Madhu Ghodkirekar, has stressed the need for a more holistic approach to the issue.
Dr Ghodkirekar, who has been closely associated with the post-mortem examinations of six BITS Pilani students and has interacted with the parents of the deceased, said that no two cases were alike.
“My close interactions with the parents of the deceased students revealed that different circumstances were responsible for the deaths of the six students. Each case has been different,” he said. “I will give my findings as and when I am approached by the inquiry panel.”
With Chief Minister Pramod Sawant directing South Goa District Collector Egna Cleetus to conclude the inquiry into the death of the fifth student in September last year, in addition to the latest case, the district administration has come under sharp focus. The directive is expected to not only expedite and conclude the probe but also ensure that the institute further strengthens existing measures in the interest of student mental health and well-being.
Key programmes
supporting students (subhead)
Dean, BITS Pilani 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. Dean stated that 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.
The Dean informed that professional care is provided through expanded Mpower Centre comprising psychologists, therapists, and a psychiatrist, along with 24×7 medical services, dedicated helplines, COOJ counselling, and Myndwell assessments for early identification and intervention. Dean also stated that faculty members and wardens have undergone Mental Health First Aid and Gatekeeper training.
Dean, BITS Pilani stated that academic reforms include liberal evaluation practices, spaced examinations, curriculum restructuring, and the introduction of BITS K101 – Physical Well-being and Creativity. Dean further informed that innovation is promoted through initiatives such as Challengathon and a 24×7 Innovation Lab.
The Dean informed that campus life has been enhanced through extended sports facilities, open gyms, shuttle services, upgraded hostels, and expanded library hours. Dean stated that campus safety is ensured through comprehensive CCTV coverage, X-ray screening, and a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.
