IIT-Madras.
Credit: PTI Photo
Chennai: The Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) on Tuesday appointed retired Director General of Police (DGP) G Thilakavathi as ‘Student Ombuds”. The institute said the fresh appointment marks IIT-M’s commitment in maintaining a safe campus environment while ensuring that the well-being of students is protected.
The move comes months after the institute’s students protested against the management in the wake of suicide by their colleagues.
In her role as Student Ombuds, Thilakavathi will be overseeing and addressing concerns related to student grievances, safety, and disciplinary matters, the IIT-M said, adding that she will play a crucial role in fostering and nurturing an inclusive atmosphere on the campus, ensuring that students have a supportive environment for their academic and personal growth.
“She will work closely with the institute to ensure students’ concerns are heard and addressed promptly and fairly. We are committed to continue to create a safe and nurturing campus environment that empowers students to excel in both their academic and personal pursuits,” Prof V Kamakoti, Director, IIT-M, said.
The institute administration will also liaise closely with the Student Ombuds and ensure that grievances are resolved in a time-bound manner, a statement from the IIT-M said.