Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level review of NIT Kurukshetra on Tuesday, urging urgent steps to enhance campus life and student engagement. Following recent student suicides, he emphasised campus vibrancy, mentoring systems and innovation. Broader reforms were outlined for all higher educational institutions.
New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level review meeting of National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra on Tuesday with senior ministry and institute officials. He called for "urgent steps" to improve campus life, student engagement and well-being.
The meeting follows at least four student suicides at the institute between February 16 and April 16, with three in April alone. According to a ministry press release, immediate measures include hostel upgrades, faculty training on mentoring and well-being in May and June 2026, and standard operating procedures for student engagement.
Medium-term actions cover sports infrastructure improvements, administrator capacity-building and structured alumni interactions to foster a supportive culture. On March 29, the ministry had withdrawn financial and administrative powers from director Professor BV Ramana Reddy, who resigned on April 4—accepted—with senior professor Brahmjit Singh taking over as officiating director.
Interventions for all higher educational institutions include forming an "apex committee on campus culture" with directors, alumni, faculty and students. An overarching framework will address academic and infrastructure gaps, prioritising student well-being, sports facilities and upgrades to labs, libraries, hostels and recreational areas.
