Arunachal Student Death in Kerala Sparks Protest Over ‘Harsh’ Credit System

Kothamangalam: The death of a 20-year-old engineering student from Arunachal Pradesh in Kerala has sparked protests at his college, with students raising concerns over what they describe as a harsh academic credit system.

The student, Michi Marpu, was a third-year BTech student at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE) in Kothamangalam, Ernakulam district. He was found dead at his rented accommodation on August 15. Police have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The incident led to protests by students at the college, with demonstrators questioning the institution’s academic rules, particularly the minimum credit requirement and the “year back” system.

Students alleged that the college’s requirement of 22 credits to progress academically placed additional pressure on students. The system has come under scrutiny following the death, with protesters demanding changes to the academic regulations.

The controversy has also drawn the attention of the Kerala government. Higher Education Minister R Bindu has asked the college to discontinue the “year back” system, under which students who fail to meet the required academic credit threshold may have to repeat an academic year.

The college is affiliated with the Kerala Technological University (KTU), but students and protesters have questioned why the institution continues to follow a higher credit threshold than the standard requirement applicable elsewhere.

Student organisations, including the Students’ Federation of India and Kerala Students Union, have joined the protests. They have demanded changes to the credit system and called for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding Marpu’s death.

Police have registered a case and are examining the circumstances of the death. Reports said a note was recovered, and investigators are looking into whether academic pressure played any role. However, the investigation is still underway and no final conclusion has been established.

The incident has renewed debate over academic pressure and the way engineering colleges handle students who struggle to meet credit requirements. Student groups have argued that academic regulations should not create excessive pressure and have called for stronger support mechanisms for students facing difficulties.

The Kerala government’s response and the ongoing investigation are expected to determine what further action may be taken regarding the college’s academic system.