IIT Bombay to Replace Hostel Ceiling Fans
IIT Bombay has begun bringing in wall-mounted fans to replace ceiling fans in parts of its Powai campus, days after the death of second-year student Sahil Wakode triggered protests and demands for wider student-welfare reforms. The institute has not yet publicly detailed the full scope or timeline of the replacement programme.
IIT Bombay Begins Wall-Mounted Fan Installation
The first batch of wall-mounted fans has arrived on campus, with installation expected to begin shortly in hostels and other areas covered by the renovation programme.
The fan replacement was reportedly under discussion for around two months and had been approved before Wakode’s death. IIT Bombay has so far neither issued a detailed statement on the project nor directly linked it to the recent incident.
The timing, however, has drawn attention because of heightened scrutiny over student safety and mental health on campus.
Sahil Wakode Death Triggers IIT Bombay Protests
Wakode, a second-year student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, died by suicide on September 18, hours after an incident during a mid-semester examination in which he was allegedly found using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT.
IIT Bombay has said no disciplinary action had been initiated against him and that he was counselled following the examination incident.
Students Demand Wider Welfare Reforms
Wakode’s death triggered demonstrations by students seeking changes to grievance redressal, mental health services and institutional accountability.
His family has also made allegations of harassment and caste discrimination. Police have registered a case and the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.
The proposed fan replacement has meanwhile attracted criticism from those arguing that physical safety measures should be accompanied by broader reforms addressing student stress and welfare.
