NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday chaired a high-level review of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra, calling for “urgent steps” to improve campus life and student engagement, while outlining reforms for student wellbeing across all higher education institutions (HEIs).
In the meeting held with senior officials of the ministry and NIT, Pradhan called for “campus vitality” and stronger systems for student guidance, innovation and faculty accountability, according to a press release issued by the Union Education Ministry.
The review meeting comes in the wake of at least four incidents of student suicides at NIT Kurukshetra between February 16 and April 16, with three incidents reported in April alone.
In the meeting, it was decided that immediate steps to “strengthen systems of constructive student engagement” at NIT Kurukshetra include: hostel upgrades, faculty training program on guidance and welfare in May-June 2026, and standard operating procedures for institutionalization of student engagement. Medium-term measures include improving sports infrastructure for the all-round development of students, capacity building of administrators to build a supportive institutional culture and structured interactions among alumni to promote a “can-do” culture.
Earlier on March 29, the ministry had withdrawn financial and administrative powers from National Institute of Technology Director Prof P V Ramana Reddy. Brahmajit Singh, a senior professor at the institute, took over as director-in-charge after Reddy tendered his resignation on April 4, which was accepted by the ministry. A three-member committee constituted by the ministry on March 29 is also reviewing the management and performance of NIT Kurukshetra and is expected to submit its report soon.
The Ministry also announced interventions for all higher education institutions operating under its supervision. A “senior committee on campus culture” will be created that includes administrators, alumni, faculty and students “to propose and monitor reforms.” A comprehensive framework will be developed to address academic and infrastructure gaps across higher education institutions, with a focus on “student well-being and institutional climate”. In addition, the institutions will give priority to sports culture and the renovation of academic blocks, laboratories, libraries, hostels and recreational facilities.
