IIT Delhi announces mental health reforms after student’s death; plans more counsellors and grievance ombudsperson

IIT Delhi to appoint more counsellors, introduce grievance ombudsperson after external inquiry report NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has announced a series of institutional reforms to strengthen its mental health support system and student welfare measures following the death of student Rishikesh Kumar on August 22, 2026.

The institute issued a press release, clarifying the status of an external inquiry and the steps being taken to implement its recommendations.The statement comes amid speculative reports in sections of the media concerning the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and the findings of the External Inquiry Committee.

IIT Delhi said the committee’s report would remain confidential, as directed by the panel, and that its recommendations primarily address systemic changes in mental health support and related institutional mechanisms.External inquiry committee submits reportThe External Inquiry Committee was chaired by retired Delhi High Court judge Justice Mukta Gupta.

Its members included a senior domain expert from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and two student representatives.Following submission of the report, an internal committee examined each recommendation and prepared an operational roadmap for implementation and follow-up.

The internal panel comprised the Deputy Director (Operations), Dean of Student Affairs, Dean of Academics, General Secretaries of the Student Affairs Council (SAC) and Board of Student Welfare (BSW), and the Assistant Registrar (Student Affairs).IIT Delhi stated that it shared the external committee's recommendations, proposed follow-up actions and operational roadmap with students, faculty members and staff on October 31, 2026.Student representatives contribute to implementation planThe proposed action plan was discussed at the SAC meeting held on November 3, 2026.

According to the institute, students' inputs were incorporated directly into a time-bound implementation plan.The initiatives include extensive awareness campaigns covering mental health issues and laws concerning substance use.

The institute also plans to recruit additional full-time clinical psychologists and counsellors, along with visiting psychiatrists, to expand access to professional support.Re-entry support and grievance redressal measuresIIT Delhi will introduce formal re-entry protocols for students returning after extended leaves of absence.

These arrangements will include specialised counselling, academic coordination and buddy networks to support their transition back to campus.The institute also plans to establish an independent Student Grievance Ombudsperson as part of an integrated grievance redressal mechanism.External review of wellness policy plannedA separate external committee will review the institute's Mental Health Support System and Wellness Policy.

It will comprise two senior mental health experts, one welfare professional and two student representatives.The review will examine existing provisions, emergency-response protocols, referral mechanisms and monitoring arrangements before recommending changes.Mandatory empathy, soft-skills and mental health workshops will also be conducted for administrative staff, hostel personnel and faculty members.IIT Delhi said the measures form part of its efforts to strengthen student welfare and develop a more empathetic, transparent and resilient campus environment.