New Delhi, August 8, 2025 — The National Task Force on Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) has launched its official website, marking a significant step towards fostering inclusive and comprehensive strategies for student well-being across the country.
A Nationwide, Inclusive Mandate by National Task Force
Constituted under the chairmanship of former Justice Shri Ravindra Bhat and appointed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the Task Force stands apart from earlier committees as it encompasses all categories of HEIs — from central and state universities to private colleges, technical institutes, and other higher education bodies.
Its diverse membership includes experts from social sciences, disability rights, gender studies, clinical psychology, and community medicine, ensuring a multi-dimensional approach to tackling student mental health challenges.
Website as a Central Engagement Hub
The newly launched portal — ntf.education.gov.in — will serve as a central platform for gathering perspectives from key stakeholders, including:
-
Students
-
Parents
-
Faculty
-
Mental health professionals
-
Heads of institutions
-
General public, NGOs, alumni, and media professionals
To facilitate meaningful participation, the website hosts confidential online surveys in English and Hindi covering topics such as campus environment, inclusivity, systemic discrimination, existing support systems, and actionable suggestions for improvement.
Additionally, an Institutional Survey invites heads of HEIs to share data on suicide cases, preventive measures, and mental health infrastructure.
On-Ground Consultations and Visits
Beyond digital outreach, the Task Force is conducting institutional visits and open forums to interact directly with students, faculty, and administrators.
These engagements focus on:
-
Understanding lived experiences of students, especially from marginalized backgrounds
-
Reviewing grievance redressal mechanisms and infrastructure
-
Consulting mental health experts, NGOs, and subject matter specialists
Strong Government Backing
Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and Member Secretary of the Task Force, reaffirmed the Ministry’s full support, including coordination, data sharing, and policy facilitation.
He stressed that the inclusive approach will ensure representation of diverse institutional settings in the final recommendations.
Call for Active Participation
The Task Force has appealed to all stakeholders, including State Nodal Officers, to respond to the surveys in large numbers. The insights gathered will form the backbone of evidence-based recommendations aimed at preventing student suicides and strengthening mental health frameworks across HEIs.
Conclusion
The launch of this dedicated website signals a proactive and collaborative shift in addressing student mental health and suicide prevention in India. By blending nationwide consultations, expert insights, and active public participation, the National Task Force aims to deliver actionable recommendations that can transform support systems in higher education.
For more details and to contribute your views, visit ntf.education.gov.in.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
