Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 8: In a landmark move to address the rising mental health crisis and suicide rates among students, a Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force (NTF) on Friday launched a dedicated portal to collect nationwide inputs and drive reform in higher education institutions.

The portal — ntf.education.gov.in — will host surveys for students, parents, faculty, and mental health professionals to assess academic stress, discrimination, support systems, and grievance redressal mechanisms. The initiative aims to produce a final set of recommendations by the end of this year, with an interim report expected in September.

Justice S Ravindra Bhat, former Supreme Court judge and Chairperson of the task force, underscored the urgency of the issue. “Student suicide is a major concern, contributing to 7.6% of total deaths in India. We are committed to creating an environment where every student can dream freely without losing hope,” he said.

India’s higher education landscape, with over 60,000 institutions and more than 4.46 crore students, presents a unique challenge. The NTF has already begun field visits to colleges—particularly in suicide-affected regions—to gather on-ground insights. The approach includes focus group discussions, expert consultations, and direct engagement with disadvantaged communities.

Task force member Dr Aqsa Shaikh called the effort a national priority. “The number of students experiencing suicidal ideation is significantly high. Over the next eight months, we will work with institutions to build a consolidated mental health support framework,” she said.

The surveys, available in English and Hindi, also feature open sections for public suggestions. Institutions are expected to share data on suicides, interventions, and redressal efforts.

The task force was formed following a Supreme Court judgment on March 24, 2025, which highlighted the alarming rise in student suicides. According to NCRB data, 13,044 students died by suicide in 2022 — a figure higher than suicides among farmers or unemployed individuals.

In tandem with the portal’s launch, the Supreme Court also issued a comprehensive 15-point guideline applicable to all educational institutions — from schools and colleges to coaching centres and hostels.

The guidelines include:

• Mandatory appointment of trained counsellors for institutions with over 100 students
• Certified mental health training for all staff twice a year
• Ban on batch segregation and public shaming in coaching centres
• Suicide helpline numbers, including Tele-MANAS, to be prominently displayed
• Confidential systems for reporting bullying, sexual harassment, and discrimination
• Parental sensitisation sessions and annual wellness reports
• Tamper-proof infrastructure in residential campuses to prevent suicides
• Special safeguards in coaching hubs like Kota, Jaipur, and Hyderabad

With mental health gaining long-overdue national attention, the NTF’s initiatives could mark a turning point in ensuring student well-being and creating safer academic environments across India.