On 24th March 2025, The Honourable Supreme Court of India emphasized the urgent need to address mental health concerns among students in higher education institutions. The Honourable Supreme Court of India constituted a National Task Force under the Chairpersonship of Justice (Retired) S. Ravindra Bhat. The Task Force includes experts from various domains. Its mandate is to deliberate on student mental health issues, recommend preventive measures to reduce student suicides, and strengthen support systems across higher educational institutions.

The National Task Force comprises of representatives from diverse fields to ensure and interdisciplinary approach to tackling the issue of Mental Health Concerns and commission of suicides in Educational Institutions. Additionally, the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education; the Secretary of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment; the Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development; the Secretary of the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, will serve as ex-officio members. The Joint Secretary of the Department of Higher Education will act as the convener of the Task Force. Further, the Chief Secretaries of all the States/Union Territories have been directed to nominate a high-ranking officer, not below the rank of Joint Secretary in the Department of Higher Education of the respective State/Union Territory, to act as the nodal officer on behalf of the respective State/Union Territory.

The remit of this Task Force is to prepare a comprehensive report that includes:

• Identification of the predominant causes which lead to commission of suicides by students: An examination of the various causes which lead to students suicides in Higher Educational Institutions, including but not limited to ragging, caste-based discrimination, gender based discrimination, sexual harassment, academic pressure, financial burden, mental health related stigma, discrimination based on ethnicity, tribal identity, disability, sexual orientation, political views, religious belief or any other grounds.
• Analysis of Existing Regulations: A thorough assessment of the effectiveness of current laws, policies, and institutional frameworks applicable to Higher Educational Institutions concerning ragging, caste-based and gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, mental health support, support for students facing academic challenges, financial support to students in need of funds, etc. This analysis will evaluate whether these frameworks adequately address the challenges faced by students.
• Recommendations for Strengthening Protections: Proposing necessary reforms to the existing legal and institutional frameworks to ensure stronger enforcement, accountability, and preventive measures. The Task Force shall also put forth recommendations to address existing gaps, create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment, and ensure equal opportunities for members of marginalized communities.

Related Links

• National Task Force
• Ministry of Education
• Ministry of Women and Child Development