The ‘Kota Cares’ initiative was launched in December 2024. Image for representation.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
To tackle the issue of stress among students preparing for competitive exams, and the rise in cases of suicides, the Kota district administration on Monday (February 24, 2025) announced a comprehensive set of reforms for student welfare in India’s premier coaching hub. About 1.25 lakh students throng annually for coaching assistance in exam preparation to Kota.
The reforms, developed with extensive stakeholder consultations under the ‘Kota Cares’ initiative launched in December 2024, introduce changes across student housing, safety protocols, and support systems. Kota Cares brings together the district administration, coaching institutes, hostel associations and local communities to enhance student well-being.
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The reforms include elimination of security and caution deposits across 4,000 hostels; standardisation of maintenance charges with a ₹2,000 annual cap; transparent payment systems with mandatory receipts for all transactions; clear guidelines for room changes; guidelines for vacation policies; mandatory gatekeeper training for all hostel staff; installation of modern safety infrastructure, including CCTV and biometric systems; special provisions for women’s hostels, with female wardens; compulsory ‘anti-hanging device’ certificates and No Objection Certificates (NOC) for fire hazards.
For student well-being, free access to the Chambal riverfront has been extended, as also dedicated recreation areas in all hostels. Mid-term vacation food services will be available, and emergency medical services provided at all times. Kota Cares helpdesks will be provided at railway stations and bus stands, and a city-wide network of student support centres established.
The district administration has also set up a monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance, and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
“Kota Cares is about reimagining how we support the lakhs of students who come to our city chasing their dreams,” District Collector Ravindra Goswami said. “Through these comprehensive reforms, we are creating a support system that addresses every aspect of student life — from affordable housing to mental health support to recreational needs. This is about transforming Kota into a city that cares for its students as much as it coaches them.”
Naveen Mittal of the city’s hostel associations spoke of “collective commitment”. “These reforms reflect our collective commitment to student welfare. We are not just providing accommodation, we are creating a home away from home, where students can thrive. Every measure being implemented under Kota Cares has been designed with student well-being at its core,” Mr. Mittal said.
Those in distress could seek help and counselling by calling helplines from this link.
Published – February 25, 2025 01:43 am IST
