IIT Bombay Students Ask Management To Utilise Nilekani's Aids For Facilities Upgradation

In the recent ranking released by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2023, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has secured the fourth position. However, despite being one of the most prestigious colleges in the country, students at IIT Bombay have repeatedly raised concerns about the facilities provided by the institute. These concerns have gained more attention, particularly after a significant donation by Nandan Nilekani. Students from the premier institute have urged the management to improve the amenities available to them. According to a report by NDTV, many students at IIT Bombay are facing issues with substandard facilities, and their grievances have seemingly fallen on deaf ears.

The report highlights several problems within the institute. The rooms provided to students are cramped, unhygienic, and shared by two students instead of one. Additionally, the washing machines are non-functional, reading rooms are overcrowded, and the quality of food is unacceptable. These issues have prompted various memes on social media, where students and their parents express their dissatisfaction with the institution's amenities. One Twitter user shared a meme captioned, "Thanks Nandan. My son is studying there. This is the second-year hostel meme on the net."

Another user mentioned the condition of the rooms, saying, "The meme has indeed gone viral. I feel very bad seeing it. This looks similar to the room I stayed in at IIT Bombay from 1989 to 1993, except that now there are two students in a room! There is barely any space to move around with two beds, let alone room for a study table or chair."

In response to the students' opposition, the management at IIT Bombay has acknowledged the concerns and stated that the donations received will be utilized to improve the living facilities for the students. They have initiated a project called "Evergreen," which aims to develop new hostels and upgrade existing facilities to meet the students' needs.