In a move aimed at prioritizing student welfare, IIT Kharagpur has appointed a Dean of Student Well-being, a first among all IITs in the country. Arun Chakraborty, a professor at the Centre for Ocean, River, Atmosphere and Land Sciences, assumed the newly created role on Monday, August 8, 2025. The appointment underscores the institute's commitment to addressing the mental health and overall well-being of its students, particularly after a series of tragic incidents on campus.

The decision to establish this dedicated position comes in the wake of four student suicides within a seven-month period, the most recent being the death of a fourth-year mechanical engineering student in July. These events prompted a serious reevaluation of the support systems available to students and a recognized need for a more focused approach to mental health.

IIT-Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty announced the appointment during an induction program for the new BTech batch on July 26, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that students' mental health concerns are promptly addressed. He noted that with a large student population, a designated Dean of Student Well-being is necessary to give special attention to student welfare activities. The director clarified that the Dean of Student Affairs and the Dean of Student Well-being would have distinct roles, with the latter focusing specifically on the well-being of students, while the former handles administrative tasks such as attendance, accommodation, and disciplinary matters.

Arun Chakraborty acknowledged the challenges of his new role but expressed his dedication to supporting the students. He stressed the importance of creating an environment where students feel comfortable approaching him with any problem, big or small, at any time. He assured students of his availability and support, emphasizing that they are like his own children and should not hesitate to seek help.

IIT-Kharagpur already has several initiatives in place to support student well-being, including an AI-driven mental wellness platform called SETU, a restructured counseling center rechristened as 'Sarth' (support, acceptance, resilience, therapy, and healing), "campus mothers," student task forces, and stress management workshops. The institute is also in the process of recruiting more mental health experts and counselors. The appointment of a Dean of Student Well-being is expected to further strengthen these efforts by providing a central point of contact and a dedicated advocate for student welfare.

The move has been welcomed by students who have been calling for improved mental health support on campus. The institute hopes that these measures will create a more supportive and nurturing environment for its students, promoting their academic, emotional, and personal growth.