National Task Force launches website to combat student suicides
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
New Delhi: The National Task Force on Student Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) has launched its official website, aiming to gather nationwide inputs for comprehensive recommendations to improve student wellbeing and prevent suicides across all higher education institutions.
Nationwide scope and diverse expertise
Chaired by former Justice Ravindra Bhat, the Task Force—constituted by the Supreme Court—covers all categories of HEIs, including central and state universities, private colleges, and technical institutes. Its members include experts from social sciences, disability rights, gender studies, clinical psychology, and community medicine, ensuring a multi-disciplinary approach.
Government support and coordination
Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and Member Secretary of the Task Force, emphasised full government backing in coordination, data sharing, policy guidance, and outreach. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening mental health frameworks within higher education.
Website as a central engagement platform
The newly launched portal — [ntf.education.gov.in](http://ntf.education.gov.in) — invites inputs from students, parents, faculty, mental health providers, heads of institutions, alumni, NGOs, media professionals, and the public. Structured surveys, in English and Hindi, cover themes such as campus environment, inclusivity, systemic discrimination, sources of distress, and support systems. An institutional survey also collects data on suicides, preventive measures, and student support facilities.
On-ground consultations and institutional visits
The Task Force is visiting institutions nationwide to hold direct interactions with students, faculty, and administrators, assess infrastructure, and focus on the needs of disadvantaged and marginalised communities. Open forums allow students to share experiences, while experts and NGOs contribute insights for evidence-based recommendations.
Appeal for active participation
Stakeholders and state nodal officers have been urged to participate in the surveys to ensure that diverse perspectives and lived experiences inform the final report. The Task Force stressed that wide participation is vital for shaping effective policies to safeguard student mental health.
