IIT Bombay reviews ceiling fan safety protocols after student death
IIT Bombay is reviewing its ceiling fan safety protocols across hostel facilities following the death of second-year student Sahil Wakode, who died by suicide on September 18. The institute is collecting student feedback through a survey to evaluate alternatives to ceiling-mounted fans, including wall-mounted, pedestal, table, tower, and desk-mounted variants. Students can also choose to retain existing ceiling fans.
Wakode's death triggered massive student protests after he was found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination. Following the incident, Director Prof Shireesh Kedare held an open house to address student concerns. The survey asks students to select preferred fan configurations and provide reasons for their choices, with options including better air circulation, cooling efficiency, space utilization, convenience, and safety considerations. Students can also raise broader concerns about their safety, well-being, and hostel experience.
The fan survey is part of a wider student wellness overhaul at the institute. New measures being rolled out in phases include the appointment of wellness secretaries in hostels, expansion of recreational areas in residential zones, deterrents against exam malpractice, and creation of a new associate dean position for student wellness. The institute stated that a final decision on fan alternatives will be made after collecting and analyzing student feedback through the ongoing consultation process.
