The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a directive to all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India following a critical Supreme Court order related to student mental health. As part of an urgent effort to address growing concerns about student suicides and mental well-being, the National Task Force (NTF) — constituted by the Supreme Court — has officially launched a dedicated website: https://ntf.education.gov.in.
This initiative stems from the Supreme Court’s judgment in Criminal Appeal No. 1425/2025 @ SLP (Crl) No. 13324/2024 — Amit Kumar & Ors Vs. Union of India & Ors., which led to the formation of the National Task Force on March 24, 2025. The Task Force is mandated to deeply explore mental health issues among students, investigate systemic causes contributing to student distress, and suggest robust preventive measures to reduce suicides in academic institutions.
A Participatory Platform for Collective Insight
Launched on August 8, 2025, the NTF website functions as an inclusive digital hub to gather views, experiences, and suggestions from a wide range of stakeholders. These include:
- Students of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
- Parents and guardians
- Faculty members
- Mental health professionals
- Institutional administrators
- Alumni, NGOs, media, and concerned citizens
The goal is to foster a nationwide dialogue around student mental health, allowing voices from all corners to contribute to future policies and interventions.
Features of the Website
The portal features structured online surveys available in both English and Hindi. These surveys are carefully designed to protect the anonymity and confidentiality of respondents. The key themes addressed include:
- Campus environment and student life
- Inclusivity and sense of belonging
- Sources of academic and emotional distress
- Systemic biases and discrimination
- Access to mental health resources and grievance redressal
- Recommendations for enhancing student well-being
Institutions themselves are required to participate through institutional surveys, which are accessible only using AISHE (All India Survey on Higher Education) user credentials.
UGC’s Call to Action
In a communication dated 4th September 2025 (D.O. No. 15-23/2025(CPP-II)(C.163104)), UGC Secretary Prof. Manish R. Joshi urged all HEIs to take the following actions immediately:
- Visit and engage with the NTF website at https://ntf.education.gov.in.
- Circulate the link and details of the initiative among students, staff, and associated stakeholders.
- Encourage genuine and timely participation in the surveys, ensuring broad and diverse input.
This initiative reflects a pivotal step in acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges within India’s higher education system. It provides a crucial opportunity for collective action—one that calls for awareness, sensitivity, and responsibility from all corners of academia and society.
Final Thoughts
Mental health in educational settings has long been under-prioritized. The Supreme Court’s intervention and the subsequent actions by the UGC and Ministry of Education mark a transformative moment. By participating sincerely in this effort, institutions and individuals alike can help create safer, more supportive environments for students nationwide.