The National Task Force (NTF) on mental health of students and prevention of suicides in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has visited 30 HEIs across 10 states since May 2025. These visits aim to foster deeper engagement with regional and institutional contexts. Additionally, the Task Force has conducted 25 stakeholder consultations to ensure an interdisciplinary and equity-oriented approach.
Since January 2026, the NTF has completed consultations on various themes including Students and Faculty with Disabilities, Caste Discrimination in Higher Education, and Gender, Mental Health, and Suicides. The NTF is mandated to identify the main causes of student suicides, review laws and policies, and propose reforms for stronger enforcement. The Task Force has also shared a Status Report on its website outlining the tasks undertaken, including field visits, stakeholder consultations, and online surveys filled by various stakeholders.
The NTF, established by the Supreme Court in March 2025, is addressing the increasing student suicide rates and mental health concerns in HEIs nationwide. The apex court has granted the NTF an extension until October 31, 2026, to submit its final report. In line with a court order, former Chief Statistician of India, Professor T.C.A. Anant, has been appointed as a technical consultant to conduct a comprehensive analysis of survey data.
