SC-appointed task force visits 30 colleges, holds consultations on student mental health

The Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force (NTF) on student mental health has conducted visits to 30 higher education institutions across 10 states since May 2025 as part of its effort to examine the factors contributing to student suicides and strengthen support systems on campuses, officials said.

Alongside the institutional visits, the panel has organized 25 consultations with stakeholders to gather perspectives from across the higher education sector and develop recommendations aimed at improving student well-being.

According to officials, the discussions covered a wide range of issues affecting students, including access to mental health services, student suicides, gender-related concerns, caste-based discrimination, and challenges faced by students from Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) communities.

The consultations also examined issues involving students and faculty members with disabilities, the role of mental health organizations, and the handling of suicide cases.

Law students were included in the discussions to provide insights into the legal dimensions of student welfare.

The SC constituted the NTF in response to growing concerns over student suicides and mental health challenges in higher education institutions across the country.

The panel has been tasked with identifying the key factors contributing to student suicides while reviewing existing laws, institutional policies, and support mechanisms related to student safety and well-being.

Based on its findings, the task force will recommend reforms to improve institutional accountability, strengthen preventive measures, and promote a more supportive campus environment.

Its recommendations are expected to address gaps in the current system while ensuring equitable access to support services for students from diverse social and educational backgrounds.

Officials said the ongoing field visits and stakeholder consultations are intended to provide the task force with a comprehensive understanding of on-campus challenges, enabling it to propose measures that can help higher education institutions create safer and more inclusive learning environments.