Mumbai, May 9: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra has witnessed a troubling spike in student suicides, with four tragic incidents reported within just two months. Between February 16 and April 16, four students took their own lives, allegedly due to academic and financial pressures.
The most recent case involved a first-semester student, Diksha Dubey, who died by suicide on April 16. Hailing from Buxar, Bihar, she was pursuing a degree in AI and Data Science. Prior to her, three other students also succumbed to similar pressures. On February 16, a 19-year-old computer engineering student, Angod Shiva from Telangana, ended his life. This was followed by the suicide of 22-year-old electrical engineering student Pawan Kumar from Nuh, Haryana, on March 31, and third-year civil engineering student Priyanshu Verma from Sirsa, Haryana, on April 8.
In addition to these tragedies, two other students reportedly attempted suicide but were saved. A member of the college student council, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that some students were overwhelmed by the re-examination system, while others fell into financial traps due to credit card debts and online betting.
While academic and financial pressures are cited as direct causes of these suicides, there is also a significant concern regarding the lack of mental health support within the college. Following the recent incidents, students have protested against the college administration’s handling of the situation, demanding an independent investigation into the suicides and changes to the re-examination system. They are also calling for the establishment of a robust mental health support system on campus.
Students have expressed dissatisfaction with the current mental health resources, stating that there is only one counselor who is rarely available. The college administration has since closed the campus and instructed students to return home before the semester break, with plans to have them directly appear for exams in August.
In light of the protests, Renu Bhatia, chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women, visited the campus and found that students were being offered credit cards at exorbitant interest rates, leading them into a cycle of debt and gambling. Reports indicate that private banks were providing credit cards to students at a staggering 36% interest rate, which pushed them into financial distress.
Despite the college’s claims of having a counseling system in place, students have voiced concerns that access to mental health professionals is limited and ineffective. They argue that while counselors may exist, they are not readily available to those in need.
In a shocking remark, a professor allegedly suggested that if students were intent on committing suicide, they should do so outside the campus. This statement has further fueled student anger and frustration towards the administration’s perceived negligence in addressing the underlying issues contributing to these tragedies.
The situation at NIT Kurukshetra highlights a critical need for improved mental health resources and a more supportive academic environment to prevent further loss of life.