National Task Force on Mental Health of Students and Prevention of Suicides in Higher Education Institutions, Conducts Field Visits to 30 HEIs across 10 States since May 2025

**Executive Summary** The National Task Force (NTF) on Mental Health of Students and Prevention of Suicides, constituted by the Supreme Court of India in March 2025, is conducting a comprehensive review of mental health concerns in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Since May 2025, the NTF has completed 30 field visits and 25 stakeholder consultations to identify suicide causes and propose legal reforms. The Supreme Court has extended the deadline for the submission of the Final Report to October 31, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** **Core Objectives and Remit** * **Cause Identification:** Determining the predominant factors leading to student suicides in HEIs. * **Framework Analysis:** Reviewing existing laws, policies, and institutional frameworks related to student well-being. * **Reform Proposals:** Recommending legal and institutional changes to enhance enforcement, accountability, and preventive measures. * **Inclusivity:** Focusing on creating supportive environments and ensuring equal opportunities for marginalized communities. **Field Engagement and Consultations** * **Institutional Visits:** Conducted visits to 30 HEIs across 10 States to understand regional and institutional contexts. * **Thematic Consultations:** Addressed specific issues including caste discrimination, disabilities, gender, decriminalization of suicide, and the concerns of ST and OBC communities. * **Expert Engagement:** Consultations held with mental health NGOs, law students, and faculty. **Administrative and Technical Updates** * **Technical Expertise:** Prof. T.C.A. Anant was appointed as a Technical Consultant in February 2026 to perform scientific and comprehensive data analysis. * **Public Documentation:** Interim reports, status reports, and relevant Supreme Court orders are accessible via the official NTF website (ntf.education.gov.in). * **Reporting Timeline:** The Final Report is scheduled for submission by October 31, 2026, as per the Apex Court's order dated May 27, 2026. **Impact Analysis** **National Task Force (NTF)** **Impact** The NTF is tasked with a significant administrative and analytical workload, involving extensive travel and interdisciplinary research. **Action Required** The task force must complete its data analysis and finalize its recommendations for submission by the October 31, 2026, deadline. **Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)** **Impact** HEIs are subject to field visits and are required to provide data through online surveys and stakeholder consultations. **Action Required** Institutions must engage with the NTF’s findings and prepare for potential reforms in legal and institutional frameworks to improve student welfare. **Students and Faculty (including marginalized groups)** **Impact** These groups are the primary beneficiaries of the NTF’s mandate to address discrimination and improve mental health support. **Action Required** Marginalized groups, students with disabilities, and ST/OBC communities are encouraged to participate in consultations to ensure their specific challenges are addressed in the final reforms. **Supreme Court of India** **Impact** The Court maintains judicial oversight over the NTF’s progress and dictates the timelines for reporting. **Action Required** The Court will review the Final Report in October 2026 to determine further legal or policy directions.

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