The Supreme Court of India has taken a significant step to address the alarming rise in student suicides by establishing a National Task Force (NTF). This decision comes in response to the increasing number of suicides in higher educational institutions, highlighting the urgent need for a robust mechanism to tackle mental health concerns among students.
The NTF, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, will comprise experts from diverse fields, including psychiatry, education, and social justice. Its mandate includes identifying the root causes of student suicides, such as academic pressure, discrimination, and mental health stigma. The task force will also evaluate existing laws and policies, recommending measures to create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment.
The Supreme Court emphasized the responsibility of educational institutions to ensure the safety and well-being of students. It directed institutions to promptly lodge FIRs in cases of suicides and urged law enforcement agencies to act diligently. The NTF has been granted the authority to conduct surprise inspections at educational institutions and will submit an interim report within four months, followed by a final report in eight months.
This landmark initiative aims to prevent tragedies and foster a culture of sensitivity and proactive intervention in educational institutions across the country.
