A Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force (NTF), led by former Justice S Ravindra Bhat, has commenced operations to address the escalating mental health concerns among students in India’s higher education institutions. The Task Force held its inaugural meeting on March 29, 2025, setting a robust agenda to tackle the worrying trend of student suicides and related mental health issues.
The NTF boasts a panel of distinguished experts from various fields, including Dr. Alok Sarin, Prof. Mary E. John, Arman Ali, Prof. Rajendra Kachroo, Dr. Aqsa Shaikh, Dr. Seema Mehrotra, Prof. Virginius Xaxa, Dr. Nidhi Sabharwal, and Ms. Aparna Bhat. Additionally, the task force includes ex-officio members from the Department of Higher Education and the Ministry of Women and Child Development, ensuring a broad and informed perspective on the issues at hand.
In its mission to understand and mitigate the factors contributing to student distress, the NTF will review existing policies, examine relevant legislation, and engage with various stakeholders including mental health professionals, educational institutions, students, and parents. This comprehensive approach aims to foster an environment where students’ welfare is prioritized and supported.
The Task Force is set to engage the public through consultations and has planned to establish a digital presence with a dedicated website and social media handles to facilitate broader engagement and input. This digital approach will allow for a wider collection of insights and suggestions, ensuring that the community at large can contribute to the dialogue on student mental health.
With a mandate to deliver an interim report in four months and a final comprehensive report in eight months, the NTF is under a tight schedule to produce actionable recommendations that can lead to substantial improvements in the mental health landscape of higher education.
