Delhi education minister seeks mental health compliance reports from all schools

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood has directed all schools in the capital to submit reports on how well they are following the Central Board of Secondary Education’s guidelines on supporting students’ psychological well-being.

The move follows the case of a Class 10 student from St Columba’s School who allegedly died by suicide after claims of mental harassment surfaced.

Sood said the incident had affected him deeply and noted that he was approaching the issue from both an administrative and parental perspective.

“We have formed a committee to investigate the matter, and the school has also taken action. I am looking into this issue as a serious, worried parent,” he said.

The minister confirmed that every school would be asked to state whether they are complying with CBSE directives related to mental health.

He added that the government would assist institutions struggling to implement these measures.

“If any school is facing difficulty, the state government will handhold them. I want the next generation to know that we are serious about their mental health and well-being,” he said.

The case has brought renewed focus to the mental health framework in schools and whether students have adequate support systems.

Officials said inputs from schools will be used to identify gaps and determine what additional help is needed across the education system.

The recent incident involving the Class 10 student came shortly after a 9-year-old girl from Class 4 reportedly died by suicide after jumping from the fourth floor of her school building.

Recently, the Class 10 student allegedly jumped from the platform at Rajendra Place Metro Station around 2:30 pm. He was taken to BLK Super Speciality Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

A committee was set up by the Delhi education department to review the circumstances, and the school suspended the headmistress, coordinator, and two teachers pending inquiry.

According to police, the student had left a note naming a few teachers and alleging mental harassment and also requested that his organs be donated.

Investigators said the details in the note will be an important part of the probe.