Death Sparks Protests and Demands for Change
A 20-year-old BTech student, Michi Marpu, from Arunachal Pradesh was found dead in his rented residence in Kothamangalam, Kerala, prompting widespread protests and demands for a thorough investigation into the incident. The student community has been alleging that the credits-based ‘year back’ system at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE) may have contributed to Marpu’s distress.
Investigations and Probes
The Kothamangalam police have registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and launched an investigation into the unnatural death. State Higher Education Minister Roji M. John has assured a proper investigation, including a department-level inquiry, into the circumstances surrounding Marpu’s death.
The Minister revealed that the A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technological University had recently decided to put on hold the ‘year back’ system, but MACE, being an autonomous college, had chosen to continue with it. John emphasized the need for institutions to prioritize students’ safety and well-being in their academic decisions.
Student Demands and College Response
The student community, backed by the SFI and DYFI, has raised several demands, including the withdrawal of the year-back system, reinstatement of expelled students, and reduction of examination fees. The college management has agreed to address the concerns of the student community, as per the guidelines of the KTU.
- Withdrawal of the year-back system
- Reinstatement of students who had been expelled
- Reduction of examination fees
- Regular monthly college council meetings
- Establishment of a separate grievance redressal and counselling cell for out-of-state students
The college management has assured that it will take immediate steps to address the concerns of the student community. The SFI has also demanded a comprehensive probe into Marpu’s death.
Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline of Maithri – 0484-2540530, Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre – 0495-2760000 and DISHA- 1056.
Source: Original Article
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