- As you are aware, schools and colleges are meant to shape the future of students at a microlevel and the country at a macrolevel through dispassionate discourses on subjects of diverse interests in line with the fast-changing requirements. The places of learning are thus considered not only sacred but also pious since the reverence associated with the purpose is sacrosanct. Little wonder, every responsible citizen lays tremendous emphasis on cultivating a conducive atmosphere for teacher-student discourses. This has been witnessed since time immemorial and continues to this day, though the technology-driven revolutionary advancements have become the driving force in the modern world. How does India fare on the education front? And students’ complaints front?
PC: The Hindu
- A long way to be counted among the best in the business is an obvious answer. History reveals we were in the forefront but have found ourselves lagging of late owing to a variety of reasons. Historically, we were recognized as pioneers in the ancient education field with troves of documents buttressing our claim of a glorious past. Now, things have changed dramatically. On the heels of the terrible self-immolation by a 20-year-old college student in Odisha, the alleged suicide of a 21-year-old medical student in Greater Noida is shocking. Among the common factors in the two cases, the parents say their child had been put under extreme stress through targeted harassment by faculty. Complaints to other faculty hadn’t brought any relief either.
PC: India Hood Bangla
- Further, there are also letters. In the Odisha case, it seems fellow students were mobilised to support the faculty member and isolate the complainant. In the Greater Noida case, there is reportedly a suicide note naming professors for harassment and humiliation. Structurally, higher education provides faculty with enormous power and students – from shaping ideas to careers. But the corresponding safety mechanism that’s critical to maintaining the health of such a system looks broken. SC set up a national task force to address students’ mental health concerns and prevent suicides in higher education institutions. It noted how student suicides have gone past farmers killing themselves due to agrarian strain.
PC: Aaj Tak
- A lot of blame is placed on toxic competitiveness, and this issue requires greater responsiveness from college administrators. But cases of harassment belong to a different category. It is an abuse of power by specific faculty members. It can be explicitly sexual in certain cases. In other cases, it can take the form of verbal crudities, including those referencing a student’s body or caste slurs. There can be unfair attendance, grading, and assignment of coursework. How are students to be protected from such persecution? Stakeholders like boards, administrators, management, police, and faculty should be sensitive towards student complaints. The least expected from the system is to spring into action when students complain. To hear them and save them. This is important.
