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The National Task Force on Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Higher Educational Institutions has officially launched a dedicated website to invite inputs from diverse stakeholders across the country. Constituted under the Chairmanship of Former Justice Shri Ravindra Bhat, the Task Force aims to formulate comprehensive recommendations for improving student well-being and preventing suicides in higher education institutions (HEIs).
The Chairperson emphasized that unlike previous efforts, this Task Force, mandated by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, covers all types of HEIs nationwide, not limited to specific institutions or categories. Its diverse membership, which includes experts from social sciences, disability rights, gender studies, clinical psychology, and community medicine, underscores its multi-disciplinary and inclusive approach. Shri Bhat called upon all stakeholders to actively support and collaborate with the Task Force.
Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and Member Secretary of the Task Force, highlighted the engagement of a broad spectrum of institutions, including central and state universities, private colleges, and technical institutes. This inclusive outreach ensures that varied institutional challenges and perspectives are incorporated into the recommendations. The Department of Higher Education is fully supporting the Task Force through coordination, data sharing, policy inputs, and facilitating outreach, reiterating its commitment to strengthening student mental health frameworks.
The newly launched website serves as a central platform to collect anonymous and confidential inputs from a wide range of stakeholders, including students, parents, faculty members, mental health service providers, heads of institutions, and the general public such as alumni, NGOs, media professionals, and family or friends of students affected by suicide. The website features structured online survey questionnaires in both English and Hindi, covering topics such as campus environment, inclusivity and belonging, sources of distress and systemic discrimination, existing support systems, grievance redressal mechanisms, and suggestions to enhance student well-being.
Additionally, the website includes a specialized Institutional Survey for heads of HEIs to report data on student suicides, preventive measures, and support infrastructure. An open forum on the website also allows concerned citizens to share personal insights, observations, and recommendations.
Complementing the online consultations, the Task Force is conducting on-ground visits to various HEIs across the country. These visits include direct interactions with students, faculty, administrators, and grievance redressal committees; open forums for students to share experiences; and a special focus on students from disadvantaged and marginalized communities. The Task Force also assesses institutional infrastructure and support services firsthand. Further, consultations with subject experts, NGOs, mental health professionals, and reviews of relevant research ensure an evidence-based and comprehensive approach.
The Task Force has called on all stakeholders and State Nodal Officers to actively participate by responding to the surveys in large numbers. The diverse views and lived experiences collected through this broad participatory process will critically shape the Task Force’s final recommendations.
For more information or to submit your inputs, visit the official website: ntf.education.gov.in
The website launch event was attended by Chairperson Shri Ravindra Bhat; Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education and Member Secretary of the Task Force; Smt Rina Sonowal Kouli, Joint Secretary, Department of Higher Education and Convenor of the Task Force; members of the Task Force; ex-officio members from the Department of Legal Affairs; officials from NIC and the Ministry of Education; and media representatives.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on the official announcement by the National Task Force on Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention as of August 8, 2025. Readers are encouraged to visit the official website for the most current updates and to participate in the consultation process.
