New Delhi, August 25: AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday expressed concern over the death by suicide of an IIT Delhi student and called for a fair and time-bound investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Kejriwal said the concerns of students should be addressed and stressed the need for educational institutions to strengthen systems that provide support to students facing difficult situations.In a post on X, the former Delhi chief minister described the death of the student, identified as Rishikesh, as deeply tragic and said the circumstances should be examined through an impartial investigation.
Kejriwal also referred to figures indicating that more than 65 students across IITs have died by suicide over the past five years. He described the reported number as a matter of serious concern and called for wider institutional reflection.
According to Kejriwal, academic achievements alone should not determine how an institution’s performance is assessed. He said IITs are recognised for their academic standards, but institutions must also ensure that students have access to support when they face personal or academic difficulties.
He called for students to have trusted avenues through which they can raise concerns and seek assistance. He also stressed the importance of creating an environment where students feel safe discussing problems and asking for help.
The AAP leader said the broader system requires introspection and improvement so that students do not feel neglected during periods of difficulty.His remarks come amid continuing concerns over student well-being and the pressures associated with higher education. The issue has renewed calls for educational institutions to strengthen counselling, mentoring and other support mechanisms.
Kejriwal’s statement did not establish any specific reason for the student’s death but focused on the need for a proper investigation and greater institutional responsibility towards student welfare.
