National Task Force on Student Mental Health

March 25, 2025

Recently, the Supreme Court of India established a National Task Force (NTF) to address the alarming rise in student suicides in higher educational institutions. This decision followed the tragic deaths of two students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, which brought into light the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to mental health in academia.

Background of the Issue

The Supreme Court noted a “disturbing pattern” of suicides among students, particularly in prestigious institutions. In recent years, over 13,000 students have reportedly taken their own lives, with many cases linked to academic pressure, discrimination, and harassment.

Formation of the National Task Force

The NTF will be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat. It includes members from various sectors such as higher education, social justice, and mental health. The task force aims to identify causes of student suicides and recommend regulatory improvements.

Mandate of the Task Force

The NTF is tasked with preparing a comprehensive report that includes:

Identification of predominant causes leading to student suicides.
Analysis of existing mental health regulations.
Recommendations for strengthening protections for students

The NTF is empowered to conduct surprise inspections of educational institutions.

Addressing Caste Discrimination

The court’s ruling also brought into light issues of caste discrimination faced by students from marginalised communities. The families of the deceased students alleged that caste-based discrimination contributed to the tragic incidents. The NTF will address these systemic issues as part of its mandate.

Legal Responsibilities

The Supreme Court emphasised the need for police to register FIRs in cases of suspected foul play in student deaths. It stressed the importance of accountability among educational institutions in safeguarding students’ mental health.

Impact of Academic Pressure

The court pointed out that a score-based education system creates immense pressure on students. This pressure can lead to mental health crises and, in severe cases, suicide. Educational institutions are urged to adopt a more empathetic approach towards student well-being.

Interdisciplinary Approach

The NTF will employ an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from various fields to tackle the complex issue of student mental health. This includes collaboration with mental health professionals and educational leaders.

Initial Funding and Reporting

The Centre has been directed to allocate Rs 20 lakh for the NTF’s initial operations. An interim report is expected within four months, with a final report to follow within eight months.

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