IIT Madras Appoints IPS G. Thilakavathi As 'Student Ombuds’

IIT Madras Board of Governors appoints G. Thilakavathi IPS as ‘Student Ombuds’.

G. Thilakavathi IPS, Former Director General of Police (DGP), Tamil Nadu.

Chennai: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Board of Governors has appointed G. Thilakavathi IPS, former Director General of Police (DGP), Tamil Nadu, as ‘Student Ombuds’ with effect from November 7 2023. The ‘Student Ombuds’ appointment marks the institute’s commitment in maintaining a safe campus environment while ensuring that the well-being of students are protected. In her role as Student Ombuds, Ms. Thilakavthi IPS will be overseeing and addressing concerns related to student grievances, safety, and disciplinary matters. She will play a crucial role in fostering and nurturing an inclusive atmosphere on the campus, ensuring that students have a supportive environment for their academic and personal growth.

Speaking about the appointment, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “IIT Madras has always prioritized the welfare and safety of our students, and Ms. Thilakavathi’s appointment as Student Ombuds underscores our commitment to enhancing the overall experience of our students while providing them with a trusted authority to turn to in times of need.”

“She will work closely with the institute to ensure students’ concerns are heard and addressed promptly and fairly. We are committed to continue to create a safe and nurturing campus environment that empowers students to excel in both their academic and personal pursuits,” Prof. V. Kamakoti added.

The Student Ombuds will work closely with the students and extend support to them. The institute administration will also liaise close with the Student Ombuds and ensure that grievances are resolved in a time-bound manner.

About IIT Madras

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) was established in 1959 by the Government of India as an ‘Institute of National Importance.’ The activities of the Institute in various fields of Science and Technology are carried out in 17 academic departments and several advanced interdisciplinary research academic centres. The Institute offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes leading to B.Tech., M.Sc., M.B.A., M.Tech., M.S., and Ph.D., degrees in a variety of specialisations. IITM is a residential institute with more than 600 faculty and 9,500 students. Students from 18 countries are enrolled here.