SC task force launches national survey to tackle student suicides

In a bid to address the mounting mental health crisis among students in higher education, the Supreme Court-constituted National Task Force on Student Suicide Prevention has launched a series of nationwide surveys to gather views from students, parents, faculty and mental health professionals.

The initiative follows a Supreme Court (SC) order dated March 24, in which the apex court, expressing grave concern over the rising number of suicides in universities and professional colleges, directed the creation of a task force under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd.) S Ravindra Bhat. The body comprises experts in mental health, education, law and the social sciences.

The surveys, hosted on the newly launched portal ntf.education.gov.in, are intended to capture first-hand experiences of stakeholders and identify systemic challenges contributing to student distress. The feedback will inform the task force’s recommendations to strengthen support systems in higher education institutions and reduce the risk of suicides.

According to the portal, the student survey will take about 30 minutes to complete and will address issues such as campus environment, mental health services, academic pressures and personal experiences of distress. Respondents are also invited to share their suggestions for strengthening student support mechanisms.

Recognising the sensitivity of the subject, the task force has assured participants that the risk of emotional discomfort is minimal and temporary, and they may skip open-text responses if they wish. The survey encourages students to take breaks or seek support if they feel uneasy while answering certain questions.

“The SC acknowledged with deep concern the rising incidence of suicides among students in universities and professional colleges, including institutions of national importance. The court constituted a National Task Force to investigate the causes, assess the institutional and systemic failures and recommend concrete steps for improving student mental health and preventing suicides. This Task Force comprises experts from mental health, education, law and social sciences,” the task force noted.