The University Grants Commission (UGC) has set up a fact-finding committee to investigate two consecutive student suicides at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar. The move comes after a 20-year-old Nepalese student was found dead on May 1, following the suicide of Prakriti Lamsal, another Nepalese student, on February 16.

Both students were residing in the university’s hostel at the time of their deaths, prompting serious concerns about campus mental health and student welfare infrastructure.

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Panel to examine institutional practices and mental health support

The UGC stated that the panel will thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding both incidents. It will assess academic pressures, institutional policies, grievance redressal mechanisms, and overall student support structures.

Headed by Nageshwar Rao, former Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, the panel includes Shashikala Wanjari (Vice-Chancellor, NIEPA), HCS Rathore (former VC, Central University of South Bihar), and Sunita Siwach, Joint Secretary at the UGC.

UGC to conduct KIIT on-site review 

The committee will conduct an on-site review to evaluate the university’s actual implementation of mental health and safety measures. The panel will assess the availability and effectiveness of counselling services, crisis response systems, faculty training, and peer support initiatives.

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Engaging with students, faculty, administrators, and support staff, the panel will also gauge the campus environment and institutional culture to understand any underlying issues.

The panel has been instructed to submit its report within 10 days. The UGC hopes the investigation will help strengthen student welfare mechanisms and prevent future tragedies through actionable recommendations.