Question : Dropout from Courses

(a) whether the Government is aware that there is a rise in the number of course
dropouts from courses in Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) and Indian
Institutes of Management (IIMs) in the country;
(b) if so, the details of dropouts, institution-wise and reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government taken steps to prevent suicides in prestigious
institutes in the country; and
(d) if so, the details of steps taken by the Government with details of suicides
happened during the last three years in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(DR. MAHENDRA NATH PANDEY)

(a) & (b) : No, Madam. The number of dropouts from courses in IITs and IIMs has
been declining due to the proactive measures taken by these institutions. The
students requiring academic support are being identified early and helped in coping
with the academic stress. The details of the dropouts is in Annexure.
(c) & (d) : Five suicides have been reported in IITs/IIMs during the last three years.
The following steps have been taken to prevent such incidents in future:
(i) The Guidance and Counselling Unit headed by a faculty member alongwith a
number of faculty counsellors and faculty Advisors work closely to identify
students facing emotional difficulties and guide them to professional
counsellors for help.
(ii) Services of professional Counsellors have been taken to deal with extreme
cases.
(iii) Student Mentoring Committees where senior students mentor junior students
have been introduced.
(iv) Several facilities have been provided on campus for the students to distress,
including sports facilities.
(v) Several workshops on stress management, problem-solving, self-esteem
enhancement, assertiveness training and time management have been
conducted to aid students.
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