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Combat Rising Suicides in Higher Education
Working Groups Formed to Tackle Student Mental Health Crisis and Suicides in Higher Educational Institutions
Context: In a significant move to address the growing concerns over student mental health and suicides in higher educational institutions across India, the National Task Force—constituted by the Supreme Court—held its second meeting in New Delhi on April 12, 2025.
About Working Groups
- The meeting concluded with the formation of three specialised working groups, each assigned critical responsibilities to combat the mental health crisis among students.
- The announcement was made by the Union Ministry of Education, highlighting the key focus areas of these newly formed groups. The primary tasks include:
- Identifying the core causes of student suicides, including academic pressure, financial stress, discrimination, and mental health stigma.
- Reviewing current student welfare policies and mental health support systems within educational institutions.
- Recommending actionable reforms to strengthen institutional mechanisms and foster a supportive and inclusive academic environment.
Related Stats
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported 13,044 student suicides in 2022, averaging 35 student suicides per day. This marks an increase of 70% since 2011 (when 8,159 cases were recorded). Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka reported the highest numbers. Kota, Rajasthan (coaching hub for competitive exams) saw 26 student suicides in 2023, the highest in a decade. In 2024, at least 7 more cases were reported by April.
Government & Institutional Responses
- “Manodarpan” Initiative (Mental Health Program under NEP 2020) expanded counseling in schools.
- Kota Administration introduced measures like “Anti-Suicide Devices” (spring-based fans) in hostels and mandatory psych evaluations.
- UGC & AICTE issued guidelines for reducing academic stress in universities.
- Tele-Manas: 14416 (Govt. Mental Health Helpline).
Working Groups to Conduct In-Depth Analysis and Propose Reforms
- The working groups will also be responsible for compiling and reviewing previous studies, analysing existing laws and policies, and designing effective questionnaires and data collection tools.
- This effort aims to build a comprehensive understanding of student mental health challenges and create a data-driven approach to tackle the issue.
Supreme Court-Initiated Task Force
- The National Task Force was established by the Supreme Court of India under the leadership of Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, former Supreme Court judge.
- The task force includes prominent experts from various sectors, along with senior officials from ministries such as: Ministry of Education, Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of Women and Child Development and Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
- The collaboration of multiple ministries ensures a multi-dimensional approach to addressing mental health and preventing suicides in higher education.
