NT Reporter
Margao
The management of the BITS Pilani institution has implemented several changes based on the recommendations of the special committee constituted by the state government in compliance with Supreme Court (SC) directives, including the introduction of round-the-clock counselling services, South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus said on Monday.
Addressing the media at her office in the South Goa Collectorate, Cleetus said preliminary investigations into the death of a female student at BITS Pilani, reported on Sunday indicate that she died by suicide. She said the police have been instructed to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the case.
Cleetus said preliminary findings suggest it is a case of suicide, adding, “The parents of the deceased student are arriving in Goa. A post-mortem examination has been conducted and the authorities are awaiting the report.”
The district collector said the special committee, set up as per Supreme Court directions after the death of a male student in September last year, had made several recommendations to the institution, including maintaining confidentiality in matters related to students’ mental health. She said the district administration has inspected the campus on multiple occasions to verify compliance. Cleetus said the academic ecosystem at the institution was reviewed in detail and the committee’s recommendations have been implemented, including the setting up of a 24-hour counselling centre, which was not available earlier, along with other corrective measures.
Replying to a query, Cleetus said the report of the special committee in connection with the suicide reported in September had already been forwarded to the state government.
