Missed meals at IIT-Delhi student mess? University wants to know if you are okay

Indian Express

01-08-2025

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) on Thursday said it has implemented QR code and biometric-based attendance systems across its student messes.
Maintaining that the initiative aims to ensure greater transparency in meal consumption and monitor student well-being, Dean of Student Affairs B K Panigrahi told mediapersons, 'We have introduced a new QR code system to keep track of the students' attendance in the mess. This will help us track if a student has missed a meal for a day or consecutively.'
The system replaces the traditional mess card method. 'Students now give their biometrics and then enter the mess,' a resident of Dronagiri hostel said. 'It's also to ensure that the student belonging to a particular hostel can eat only in that mess.'
In another student-focused policy, the IIT announced that those unable to secure hostel accommodation will now be allowed to stay temporarily on campus for 10-15 days while searching for alternatives. 'This is to ensure that students have time and space to settle in,' Panigrahi said.
The announcement came ahead of the IIT's 56th convocation ceremony, to be held on August 2. Dr Tessy Thomas, former Director General (Aeronautical Systems), DRDO – famously known as the 'Missile Woman of India' – will be the chief guest at the event.
Prof Rangan Banerjee, IIT Delhi Director, told mediapersons, 'Over 2,750 students, including 530 PhD scholars – the highest ever – will be awarded degrees and diplomas this year.'
The institute will also mark a milestone with several programmes witnessing the graduation of the first batches. 'We will see our first graduates in the UG BTech course in Energy Engineering and three PG courses – Interdisciplinary MTech in Robotics, MSc by Research in VLSI Design, Tools and Technology, and MSc by Research in Artificial Intelligence,' said Banerjee.
This year also saw the launch of two new undergraduate programmes – BSc in Chemistry and BTech in Design – and two PG courses in Optics and Photonics. 'The revised undergraduate curriculum launched from 2025-26 emphasises flexibility, experiential learning, and alignment with contemporary global needs. Key themes include environment and sustainability, creative expression, ethical reasoning, and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning,' said Banerjee.
Meanwhile, in line with improving student support, IIT Delhi has significantly ramped up mental health and wellness services, said officials.
'The strength of the counselling team has increased to 14. We now offer immediate psychiatric support and have tied up with several hospitals for quick access,' Panigrahi told mediapersons. Initiatives also include a new 'Buddy Programme', academic mentorship through the Academic Progress Group, and wellness workshops – all part of what Panigrahi described as 'a culture of care and accountability'.
In a statement, the institute on Thursday said that the IIT's Quantum Materials & Devices (QMD) Technology Hub, funded with Rs 312 crore from the Union Government, is shaping up as a national centre of excellence. A Centre of Excellence in Future Mobility Technology has been launched in partnership with Hyundai Motor Group.
Further, IIT Delhi's Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer continues to drive the start-up ecosystem with 34 new ventures incubated this year alone. 'The total start-up portfolio valuation has now crossed Rs 10,000 crore,' the statement said.
International engagement is also on the rise, it added. The institute signed 23 MoUs in the past year, hosted 220 international visitors, and launched the international campus IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi, offering five academic programmes, including BTech in Chemical Engineering.
Amid global accolades, IIT Delhi now ranks 123 in QS World University Rankings 2026 and 1 in India, with a subject rank of 26 globally in Engineering & Technology, said Banerjee. 'These rankings reflect our growing stature as a global institute of excellence,' the statement further said.