Pune, 28th August 2026: Hundreds of students at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune staged a protest outside the institute’s main gate on Thursday, raising concerns over administrative decisions, inadequate mental-health facilities and restrictions on student representation.
The protest gained momentum following the suspension of Student Council General Secretary Raj Bagwe. Students alleged that Bagwe was suspended without following due process after raising concerns about student safety and administrative interference.
Students said dissatisfaction had been building for several months over the state of mental-health support on campus and what they described as unilateral changes in rules by the administration. They also alleged that the Student Council was increasingly being sidelined in decisions affecting students.
Students have now begun an indefinite sit-in on campus and said they will continue the protest until their demands are addressed.
One student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the protest was not limited to Bagwe’s suspension but reflected wider concerns about the administration’s working culture. The student said students felt their mental well-being was being neglected and that their dignity and right to raise concerns were being undermined.
The protesting students are seeking:
More permanent counsellors and mental-health professionals on campus.
Withdrawal of arbitrary time restrictions imposed on hostel residents.
Access to common rooms and open spaces for students.
24-hour access to club rooms and the sports complex.
An assurance that students participating in the protest will not face disciplinary or administrative action.
Immediate withdrawal of Raj Bagwe’s suspension.
IISER said it has already arranged individual and group counselling sessions across the campus through its counsellors. It has also organised specialised sessions led by expert counsellors to support students, faculty and staff during difficult periods.
The institute currently has two full-time counsellors. It has additionally brought in two counsellors through the campus Mental Wellbeing Centre and is in the process of recruiting one or two more full-time counsellors.
IISER said it remains committed to the safety and well-being of students and other members of the campus community and has begun taking additional measures to address their concerns.
