01/09/2026
Update on Student Sit-in (Day-6, Sept 1, 2026)
The institute authorities received a demand letter from students yesterday on August 31, 2026. Today, on September 1, 2026, Director Prof. Sunil Bhagwat informed everyone on the campus including students, faculty, and staff that that the institute authorities are working out mechanisms to meet most of these demands while balancing student safety, the interests of the diverse student community, including those who may not have participated in the peaceful sit-in, and the limits of the institute authority. A response to each demand is provided below.
The Director and some faculty members visited the students participating in the sit-in to enquire about their wellness. The Director's invitation to meet a delegation of 3-5 representative students remains open.
Health Infrastructure
Existing Facilities/Mechanisms: We currently have 2 full-time counsellors. We initiated the process of adding two more full-time counsellors some time back, and are working towards recruiting 2 more counsellors on a part-time basis. Faculty, staff, and students are being provided training at the ‘Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training Program’ at Maharashtra Institute of Mental Health (MIMH). The Mental Well-Being Centre refers cases for psychiatrist services to MIMH, which is located within a short distance from the campus.
Planned Facilities/Mechanisms: The medical committee is also planning to have 24 X 7 online counseling services. Looking at the student demand, the medical committee is exploring additional hospitals for psychiatric referral and is in the process of adding on-campus psychiatric services to our Mental Well-Being Centre. The institute will reimburse expenses for emergency medical services for students if such services are not covered by the current insurance.
Attendance Relaxation
In view of our recent tragic loss and its effect on students, a relaxation of attendance of lectures and labs for two weeks from August 17th to August 31st, 2026, is provided.
Hostel Cross-mobility
We are making preparations to enable mobility of PhD students residing across boys and girls hostels. This will be implemented after taking the opinions of residents of these hostels, so that they have a voice in matters about their own safety and autonomy. Rules, once finalized, to ensure security, will be strictly enforced.
Third Spaces
Common rooms in the ground floor of all hostels are already available to all students. Gender neutral washrooms are being made available on the ground floor of all hostels. The ground and first floor of the Dining Hall, which are large spaces, are open to all students. Suggestions have been invited for making these spaces equipped for various common activities. The system of booking of lecture halls, seminar rooms, and discussion rooms for student activities will be streamlined. The indoor sports and gym facilities will be opened for extended hours. This will be implemented as soon as appropriate additional personnel are recruited to ensure safety and security of the users and facilities.
No Retaliatory Action
An email had already been sent by the Director (on Aug 28, 2026, on Day-2 of the peaceful sit-in) to everyone in this regard. It said that the institute will not initiate disciplinary action against IISER Pune students participating in or organizing the current peaceful campus sit-in as long as the sit-in remains peaceful, is free of violence, does not disrupt essential institute operations, is free of unlawful acts, and the content of their communication does not violate any applicable laws or institute IT policies.
On Disciplinary Action
The student, who served as General Secretary, was suspended following a disciplinary inquiry in which the student had the opportunity to present their position. After the suspension order was given, the student appealed and met the appellate authority (Chairperson, Board of Governors, IISER Pune) and again presented their side. In addition to the original suspension order, subsequently, the appellate authority's detailed response was also shared with the concerned student. According to IISER Statutes, the Director does not have any authority to revoke the appellate authority’s decision. It must be emphasized that applicable rules and regulations were followed during the whole process.
We hope that with these measures, all our students will have a more fulfilling and academically fruitful life on campus. We are looking forward to working along with the students towards improving campus living facilities for all.
