On July 7, 2025, IIT Kharagpur launched its “Campus Mothers” initiative, training women staff, including faculty spouses, to provide emotional support to students via informal interactions like tea or meals. Announced as part of a five-pronged welfare plan, the program, reported on July 8, targeted stress and anxiety. By July 9, it faced fierce criticism from students and faculty, who argued that assigning women to unpaid caregiving roles lacked professionalism. The backlash, noted across campus and amplified on social media, demanded trained counselors and sparked debates about the initiative’s structure.
On July 11, 2025, the institute responded, clarifying that the program was voluntary, involving 40 women, and complemented existing counseling services. A review began on July 12 to address feedback, with 10 discussion sessions held by July 13 to refine the initiative. The controversy, reported on July 13, persists as students and faculty push for professional mental health support. The administration has committed to ongoing consultations and adjustments, including potential integration of trained counselors, to meet student needs while retaining the welfare plan’s community focus.
