Health crisis, administrative concerns raise serious questions at IIM Jammu

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu is facing serious concerns from students following a reported outbreak of gastroenteritis on campus, allegedly linked to contaminated water supply. Students also claim that administrative decisions during the health crisis have compounded their distress, raising questions about institutional preparedness, medical infrastructure, and academic policies.

Residents of Jagti and Nagrota, areas near the IIM Jammu campus, had reportedly been raising concerns about contaminated water supplies prior to the outbreak. A health alert was issued by the city administration after gastroenteritis cases emerged in the region.

Water samples from affected localities were subsequently ordered for testing, and advisories on preventive measures were circulated.

As the IIM Jammu campus is located in Jagti, students state that the institute may have been exposed to the same risk factors. Despite the regional health alert, students allege that adequate preventive measures — including ensuring safe drinking water and strengthening on-campus medical response — were not implemented in time.

According to internal communication from the student mess committee Santript, more than 200 students reported symptoms such as vomiting, bloating, stomach pain, and gastrointestinal distress. The email reportedly documented continuous reporting of new cases throughout the month of January with approximately 20–25 OPD consultations and 2–3 hospitalisations daily.

Students describe the situation as an ongoing health emergency that placed physical and academic well-being under strain. Although the number of active gastroenteritis cases have come down due to the action of civic authorities, the institute administration allegedly did not address the students for this outbreak.

Talking to Bizz Buzz on condition of anonymity, students allege that the water analysis was deliberately delayed so as to get a clean report. They make a point as to how is it possible to get a clean report only for IIM Jammu when adjacent areas reported illness due to water contamination?

Students have expressed concern about the adequacy of on-campus medical facilities, stating that no full-time physician was available in the institute dispensary during the crisis.

Allegations have also surfaced regarding the qualifications and manner of appointment of medical personnel, though these claims have not been independently verified. The absence of robust medical preparedness during a communicable disease outbreak has become a major point of contention among the student community.

A key grievance relates to the new MBA handbook (2025–27 batch), which reportedly mandates 100% attendance. Under Clauses 9.1 and 9.2 of the Handbook, attendance between 80–100% may lead to a one-grade reduction. Likewise, 70–80% attendance may result in two grade reductions and below 70% attendance may trigger a letter-grade penalty.

Students state that even those suffering from documented illness were reluctant to miss classes due to academic penalties.

They also note that the earlier attendance requirement at the institute was 80%, and that no detailed explanation has been provided for the revised rule. Complaints were reportedly filed through the CPGRAMS portal, with students describing the response from authorities as unsatisfactory and seeking reconsideration.

Students and some faculty members have raised broader concerns regarding leadership style and decision-making processes, alleged favoritism in appointments and reported ongoing tensions between administration and certain faculty members

Questions have also been raised by some stakeholders regarding the reappointment of the Director beyond the age of 65, with claims that this may conflict with established norms.

These matters remain subjects of dispute and would require formal clarification from governing bodies. Students from the IPM (2024–29) batch have also alleged insufficient institutional support during an emergency situation like‘Operation Sindoor’. Some reportedly arranged their own transport under difficult conditions.

The situation at IIM Jammu, as described by students, represents a convergence of public health risk, academic policy stress, and administrative trust deficit.

While many of the claims require independent verification, the scale of reported illness and student anxiety underscores the need for transparent health audits, review of medical infrastructure and reassessment of attendance rules during medical emergencies.

Concerns have also been raised by some faculty members regarding the institutional work environment. According to accounts circulating within academic circles, faculty perceived as being out of favour with the Director, Prof. B. Sahay, have at times felt subjected to undue professional pressure and public reprimand.

One case that drew attention involved Assistant Professor Somu Gorai, who later moved from IIM Jammu to IIM Ranchi. Individuals familiar with the matter allege that during his tenure at IIM Jammu, he experienced professional difficulties and an atmosphere they describe as discouraging. After his departure, Prof. Gorai reportedly shared reflections on his experiences at the institute on social media platforms, including MBA-focused forums.

It has been alleged that he subsequently faced pressure to remove those posts, with suggestions that continued public commentary could negatively affect his professional trajectory. While some of his posts were later removed, discussions about the episode continue to circulate in academic and student communities.

Although, these claims have not been independently verified, but they contribute to broader concerns raised by stakeholders regarding workplace culture, faculty autonomy, and grievance redressal mechanisms within the institution.

Given the institute’s national stature, stakeholders emphasise that swift, transparent, and student-centered action is essential to restore confidence and ensure both academic continuity and student welfare.