'Submit facts, information' of lack of mental health support for SC, ST students in IITs: NCST

NEW DELHI: National Commission of Scheduled Tribes (NCST) had issued a notice regarding the complaint filed by Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle, IIT Bombay. The circle's complaint was about the anti-reservation sentiments of the head counsellor of Student Wellness Centre in IIT Bombay and the lack of mental health support for SC, ST students in IITs.

This petition dated July 16, 2022 has been taken up by the commission and has decided to investigate in the matter. "Whereas a petition, complaint has been received by the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes from the Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle, IIT Bombay dates 16.06.2022 as enclosed and commission has decided to investigate, inquire in to the matter in pursuance of the powers conferred upon it under Article 338A of the constitution of India,"

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The commission has requested the study circle to submit the facts and information on the action taken on the allegations, matters within 15 days from the issue of the notice, If there is not information submitted within the stipulated time, the commission can exercise the powers of the civil court and issue summons to a representative.

In a survey in 2020, 450 students, who responded to the survey, 85% said problems in mental health were common in IIT-B and 93% said mental health problems were real psychological problems. When asked about the possible causes for their mental health illness, 71.3% said academic pressure was the reason and 52.2% said decisions about professional future was the cause.