In a significant administrative move following widespread student protests, the Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT) in Surat has removed the chief warden of a key hostel and announced a major overhaul of its medical emergency protocols. This action comes in the wake of the tragic suicide of a 20-year-old B.Tech student, Advait Nair, which sparked intense demonstrations on campus demanding accountability and systemic change.
Immediate Administrative Actions and Committee Formation
The institute administration has taken several concrete steps in direct response to the student demands. Amit Solanki, the chief warden of Bhabha Bhavan hostel, has been removed from his position. Dr. Vikram Rathod has been appointed as his replacement to oversee the hostel affairs.
Furthermore, a fact-finding committee has been constituted to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. This committee is led by Prof. K P Desai and includes other senior faculty members. Its mandate is to review the events of that fateful day, including scrutinizing CCTV footage from both the institute and the associated Sunshine Global Hospital. A key point of the probe will be to verify student allegations that the hospital demanded payment during the emergency.
Overhaul of Campus Medical and Emergency Systems
Addressing one of the core grievances, SVNIT registrar K K Singh confirmed that the campus medical facility will now operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, instead of closing at 8 PM. An additional doctor will be appointed to make this round-the-clock service feasible.
The institute's existing tie-up with Sunshine Global Hospital is now under formal review. To enhance emergency mobility, officials have initiated the process to deploy private vehicles on campus specifically for medical emergencies, supplementing the current ambulance services.
Official Statements and Path Forward
Registrar K K Singh emphasized that the decisions were made considering the students' demands and emotions. He stated that the committee would also speak with the hospital management as part of its review. "We will also speak with the hospital management. The student was shifted to the hospital on time, and ambulances were available on campus. Going forward, we are working to make systems stronger, faster, and more effective," he told the media.
The SVNIT campus, which houses a large community of approximately 6,500 students and over 2,000 faculty and administrative staff, held a condolence meeting on Tuesday. The gathering saw a large turnout of students and faculty members mourning the loss.
These developments mark a pivotal moment for the premier institute as it seeks to rebuild trust and fortify its support systems for its student body in the aftermath of this profound tragedy.
