Ex-IIT Delhi director backs Prof Doolla, suggests 5-year BTech programme amid IIT-B suicide row
Doolla, IIT Bombay's Dean, was put on leave amid an investigation into a student's death and allegations of caste discrimination.
Former IIT Delhi director V Ramgopal Rao has come to support IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla amid the recent controversy surrounding the death of a BTech student at the institution. Rao expressed his concern over Doolla being "vilified" and called for a fair examination of the issues raised against him. He described Doolla as "one of the finest faculty members" he had known in the IIT system and a "gentleman of the highest integrity".
Rao's comments came as Doolla was placed on leave to enable an impartial probe following his removal as Dean of Administrative Affairs at IIT Bombay. The Mumbai Crime Branch is currently investigating the case, which has been registered as a case of abetment to suicide and caste discrimination. The investigation stems from allegations that Doolla allegedly tortured, abused, and humiliated his son due to his caste.
Rao highlighted the broader issue of the "one size fits all" approach prevalent in IITs, noting that classrooms have become highly diverse, with students entering through an intensive coaching culture and having widely varying JEE Advanced ranks and academic backgrounds. He pointed out that language differences could further complicate teaching and learning. "Can we expect every student to learn at the same pace?" he asked, emphasizing that the challenge applies to every admission category.
In light of the controversy, Rao proposed an extended BTech program, suggesting that IITs consider a five-year curriculum. He argued that students requiring additional time could spread their coursework over five years, receiving extra academic support such as recorded lectures, online materials, and language assistance as needed.
Rao suggested that extending the program to five years would also provide students with a "psychological advantage," as they would simply be following a designed program without being singled out for taking longer. He stressed the importance of upholding academic standards while acknowledging that students do not all arrive at the same point or learn at the same pace.
Rao emphasized that providing the necessary time and support to meet those standards is the responsibility of the system.
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