A Nationwide Appeal Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day
On the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day 2025, the National Task Force (NTF) on Student Well-being and Suicide Prevention issued a strong appeal urging students, parents, educators, institutions, and mental health professionals to actively participate in its ongoing national surveys. The appeal comes amid mounting concern over the rising number of student suicides across India, prompting a renewed focus on understanding the root causes and developing solutions that are both systemic and compassionate.
Why the National Survey Matters: Growing Student Suicide Crisis in India
India’s student population is enormous — with 4.46 crore students and 16 lakh faculty members across 60,380 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) as per AISHE 2022–23.
Yet, beneath these numbers lies a heavy reality.
According to NCRB 2022, a staggering 13,044 students died by suicide, accounting for 7.6% of all suicide deaths in the country. Experts say these numbers highlight the intense academic pressure, lack of institutional support, and societal expectations that continue to weigh heavily on young individuals.
The Task Force’s survey aims to map these concerns at a national scale, ensuring that policies and interventions reflect real student experiences rather than assumptions.
What the National Task Force Is Studying: Key Causes Under Review
The NTF’s mandate is to produce a comprehensive, evidence-based report detailing why students in India are increasingly vulnerable. It is examining factors such as:
• Academic pressure and competitive exams
High-stakes exams and performance expectations continue to drive stress, anxiety, and burnout.
• Ragging and campus harassment
Despite anti-ragging laws, verbal, emotional, and physical harassment still persists in several institutions.
• Discrimination on caste, disability, or identity
SC/ST students, students with disabilities, and queer students often report exclusion, bias, or lack of support.
• Financial stress and economic uncertainty
Many students struggle with the rising cost of education, inadequate scholarships, and the pressure to “secure a future.”
• Stigma around mental health and lack of services
Fear of judgment often prevents students from seeking help, while many institutions still lack counsellors or crisis mechanisms.
National Consultations Across Four States
To ensure the report reflects on-ground realities, the NTF has already conducted detailed consultations in 13 educational institutions across Delhi, Haryana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These sessions included:
- interactive dialogues with students
- roundtable meetings with faculty
- detailed discussions with administrators
- inputs from civil society groups and NGOs
Special focus was given to students from disadvantaged communities who often face compounded challenges and limited access to support systems.
Massive Participation in Online Surveys
The Task Force’s online survey — available in English and Hindi — has already received a strong response, reflecting the urgency of the issue. So far, submissions include:
- 80,000+ students
- 10,000 faculty members
- 15,000 parents
- 700 mental health professionals
- 8,000 concerned citizens
These responses will form a significant data backbone for the NTF’s recommendations.
The survey is still open to the public at ntf.education.gov.in.
Regulatory Bodies Directed to Ensure Compliance
The Department of Higher Education has instructed major regulators — AICTE, NMC, Pharmacy Council, Nursing Council, and the Bar Council — to ensure that all affiliated institutions participate actively.
All HEIs registered under AISHE must complete their institutional survey by 12 September 2025, providing details on:
- mental health services available
- grievance redressal systems
- dropout rates
- anti-ragging mechanisms
- student demographics
- well-being initiatives and outcomes
The aim is to hold institutions accountable for student safety and mental health support.
ULLAS Literacy Week Adds Momentum
Alongside the surveys, the NTF launched ULLAS Literacy Week (1–8 September 2025) — an initiative encouraging collective community engagement in issues related to mental health, well-being, and inclusivity on campuses.
The literacy week has seen participation from schools, colleges, NGOs, and youth organisations, further amplifying the message of awareness and prevention.
What Happens Next? Final Report to Shape Future Policies
The Task Force will compile its findings into a final, actionable report, expected to reshape how Indian higher education institutions tackle mental health challenges. The recommendations are likely to influence:
- campus well-being frameworks
- regulatory standards
- counsellor availability
- anti-ragging enforcement
- academic workload policies
- peer support interventions
The overarching goal is clear: build safer, healthier, and more inclusive environments where students are not pushed to crisis.
Also Read: https://thenewstudent.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4302&action=edit
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