SC Panel on Students’ Mental Health – State Nodal Officers Appointed

Context:

• The Supreme Court constituted a National Task Force (NTF) to address the rising issue of student suicides and mental health concerns in higher education institutions.

• The initiative came after petitions by parents of students who died by suicide, citing lack of institutional safeguards against discrimination and inadequate support systems.

Composition:

• The Task Force is a 12-member committee, chaired by Justice Ravindra Bhat (Retd.), former SC Judge.

• Each State and Union Territory will now have a nodal officer to coordinate with the Task Force.

Survey Responses:

• Surveys were conducted targeting students, faculty, parents, and citizens.

• Over 1 lakh responses have been received so far.

Data Collection:

• All higher education institutes registered with the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) have been directed to submit responses by September 12.

• Regulatory bodies like AICTE, Pharmacy Council of India, Bar Council of India have also been asked to submit data.

Parameters Sought:

• Student/faculty composition by category and quota.

• Availability of mental health services.

• Records of suicides or attempts.

• Student dropouts.

• Functioning of grievance redressal committees.

• Challenges and measures related to student well-being.

Significance:

• Aims to create a comprehensive framework for mental health and well-being in campuses.

• Will help build institutional guardrails against discrimination, stress, and systemic failures that contribute to suicides.