IITKGP

Staff and Students Welfare

Staff and Students Welfare

General Information

  • Institute provides Induction training programs for incoming students to introduce them to the system. During this period, students participate in a wide range of social activities, sports challenges, and life skills programs.
  • Faculty and staff can avail short-term and long-term training as part of their career advancement and acquisition of new skills.
  • Faculty and staff are awarded Excellence Awards at all levels for their contributions to the Institute.
  • Students and faculty are provided funds for attending conferences in India and abroad.
  • Students can spend a semester away from campus under the Semester Away Internship Program (SAIP) to gain practical experience
  • The highest decision-making body in IIT Kharagpur is the Senate which includes Professors, administrative heads, and student representatives from the following groups: UG, PG, RS and Women.
  • The Institute student body is the Technology Students Gymkhana which is the hub of numerous sports and socio-cultural activities. It is an elected body with completely democratic elections held once a year. The Gymkhana is managed by the students, for the students, under the guidance and active participation of the faculty and staff members.
  • Students' accommodation, mess facility, code of conduct are managed by HMC.
  • Councelling Centers are available in the Institute. Details are available at https://counsellingcentre.iitkgp.ac.in.
  • Medical facilities are available in the campus from B C Roy Technology Hospital to students and staff.
  • Child care services are available for staff and student in the campus. Details are available at https://mongrace.in/

Employee ethos

Pertaining to the realm of moral conduct, the Institute places significant emphasis on upholding the highest ethical standards. To ensure that these standards are not only set but consistently followed, the Institute has formalized a set of ethical values and a distinct code of conduct. Every employee of the Institute, regardless of their position or tenure, is expected to adhere to these guidelines. The guidelines are not ambiguously set; they are explicitly documented for clarity and ease of reference. Anyone interested in understanding these standards in detail can refer to the 'Institute Acts and Statutes' document. This comprehensive document outlines the principles and behavioural expectations that are foundational to the Institute's reputation and operations. In the spirit of transparency and public accountability, the Institute has made this document available to the general public. By doing so, the Institute ensures that there is a clear understanding of its ethical stance, both internally amongst its employees and externally amongst stakeholders and the public at large. A link to the document is provided here

Institute Act and Statutes, https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/assets/pdf/acts.pdf

Research ethos

Institute Ethical Committee (IEC) reviews and approves all types of research proposals involving human participants with a view to safeguard the dignity, rights, safety and well-being of all actual and potential research participants. The goal of research, however important, can never be permitted to override the health and well-being of the research subjects. The IEC ensures that all the cardinal principles of research ethics viz. Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-malfeasance and justice are taken care of in the planning, conduct and reporting of the proposed research. For this purpose, IEC looks into the aspects of informed consent process, risk benefit ratio, distribution of burden and benefits and provision for appropriate compensations wherever required. It reviews the proposals before the start of the study as well as monitors the research throughout the study until and after completion of the study through appropriate well documented procedures. The committee also examines compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, applicable guidelines and laws.

Institute office order on the Institute Ethical Committee (IEC) for this year is shown as follows.

Student ethos

Aiming to holistically nurture students' personalities, IIT Kharagpur promotes progressive and creative thinking while setting clear codes of conduct. Violations can result in actions taken by various Senate Committees. Ragging is absolutely prohibited, in line with the Supreme Court's ruling. The campus is a no-drug zone, and activities like consumption of alcohol, gambling, and public smoking are forbidden. Detailed rules for hostel residents can be accessed on the institute's official website, underscoring the importance of respecting all members of the IIT community. In case of any unscheduled leave or unanticipated situation, students are required to notify key personnel. The institute's facilities, ranging from the library to the gymkhana, should be used judiciously, with any misuse considered an act of indiscipline. While motorized vehicles are typically not allowed on campus, exceptions are made for specific cases upon approval from the Dean of Student Affairs. If an illegal activity occurs within campus boundaries, the institute may facilitate police and judicial interventions. Students involved in external, punishable activities cannot expect institutional support. The campus Wardens hold the authority to impose sanctions on violators, with major disciplinary actions overseen by the Students Disciplinary Committee, which has a structured membership of various faculty members, administrators, and student representatives. Students dissatisfied with a disciplinary decision can appeal to the Chairman, Senate. The institute also has provisions for Reprimands by department heads and wardens for on-site offenses, and a specialized committee addresses examination malpractices, ensuring that the academic integrity is upheld.

General Conduct Rules and Guidelines https://www.iitkgp.ac.in/students-conduct-rules

Training to promote ethical values

The Institute recognizes the critical role that ethical values play in the holistic development of its community. One of the primary means through which IIT Kharagpur achieves this is by offering training sessions tailored specifically to the needs of its employees and students. These training sessions delve deep into various aspects of ethical values, such as appreciating diversity, upholding honesty in all endeavours, demonstrating respect towards others, and ensuring fairness in actions and decisions. The aim is to embed these values into the fabric of the institution, fostering a community that operates with integrity.

Induction trainings

For those who are newly recruited to the Institute, IIT Kharagpur ensures that they receive a thorough introduction to the Institute's ethos and values. This is facilitated through induction training and orientation programs. These sessions not only familiarize the new staff with operational procedures but also place significant emphasis on aligning them with the Institute's core ethical values. An Induction Training program was conducted from 11 July 2023 to 9 August 2023.

Refresher trainings/In-service trainings

However, the Institute’s commitment to ethical training is not limited to just the new entrants. Even the staff members who have been with IIT Kharagpur for an extended period are not left out. Periodic refresher training sessions are organized for them. What's noteworthy is that many of these refresher trainings are facilitated by external specialty institutes, bringing in fresh perspectives and advanced methodologies to the training process.

As part of the ethical training and vigilance activities in the Institute, Vigilance Awareness Week is usually observed every year in the Institute. It was observed from 30 October 2023 to 5 November 2023.

Faculty training/development

For the academic faculty, IIT Kharagpur recognizes the importance of continuous enhancement and development. To address this, the Institute has instituted the "Faculty Development Programme for Effective Teaching." This program, held at regular intervals, serves as a comprehensive platform for faculty members from various institutions to equip themselves with the latest pedagogical tools, techniques, and ethical standards. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to sync with the evolving demands of the Indian economy, international opportunities, and the ever-changing learner requirements and employer expectations. Through a blend of lectures and hands-on experiences, especially with tailored software that boasts an appropriate pedagogic framework, the faculty members are transformed into adept educators and guides. They are capacitated to navigate the classroom and beyond, ensuring that students achieve outcome-based learning.

Student ethics

At IIT Kharagpur, the emphasis on instilling ethical values, honesty, and integrity in students is paramount. The Institute not only focuses on academic excellence but also on nurturing students to become responsible and ethically-grounded individuals. The Institute's welcoming approach for Freshers reflects this sentiment. By extending a warm greeting to students admitted to IIT Kharagpur sets the tone for an enriching educational journey at one of India's eminent institutions. The meticulously revised academic curriculum, in line with the innovations of NEP 2020, provides students with a holistic education. The inclusion of initiatives such as the Semester Away Internship Program (SAIP) allows students to gain practical experience while adhering to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. Furthermore, the Institute facilitates a smooth transition for its students by providing them with essential resources, including guidelines for the admission process, academic calendars, and rules and regulations. By integrating these elements into their educational framework, IIT Kharagpur ensures that its students are not only academically accomplished but also principled and morally upright, ready to make a positive impact in the world. Mandating first-year B.Tech. and Dual degree students to engage in extracurricular activities such as the National Service Scheme (NSS), National Sports Organization (NSO), or the National Cadet Corps (NCC) serves as a powerful tool in instilling ethics, discipline, and a sense of civic duty. These programs emphasize teamwork, service to the community, physical fitness, and leadership. Through NSS, students are exposed to social issues, promoting empathy and a desire to contribute positively to society. NSO nurtures the spirit of sportsmanship, discipline, and perseverance. While the NCC, even if not currently operative in the Institute, historically has played a role in moulding youth into disciplined and patriotic citizens. By making participation in these programs a prerequisite for obtaining their degrees, the Institute ensures that its graduates are not just academically proficient but also ethically grounded and socially responsible individuals.

Institute body to address ethical matters

The Institute has a Director, a Deputy Director, Seven Deans, Heads of the Departments, Centers and Schools and the Registrar, who carry out various functions of the Institute as per procedures laid down in the Statues of the Institute. The decision is communicated to the public through notices, announcements, websites and advertisements. The final authority to vet the final decision is the Director / Board of Governors / IIT Council / Visitor of the Institute. The Institute takes decisions regarding students' affairs, staff affairs, facilities of the Institute and its infrastructure.

Internal report system on ethical matters

IIT Kharagpur has established mechanisms to address concerns and maintain confidentiality, especially for whistleblowers and employees with grievances related to employment matters. The Grievances and Complaints Redressal Committee, chaired by the Deputy Director and comprising other eminent members such as Prof. Rintu Banerjee from the Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, the concerned Head of Department/Centre/School/Section, and the Registrar (who also acts as the Convener), ensures that all grievances are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate actions are taken while assuring the confidentiality of the complainant. Additionally, to promote transparency and facilitate easy access to information, we have an RTI cell in place, adhering to the Right to Information Act 2009, which allows individuals to request information about institutional activities.