UGC urges HEIs to prioritise mental health surveys in SC-mandated task force initiative without further delay

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has urged higher educational institutions (HEIs) to participate in survey on student mental health and wellbeing through the National Task Force portal without any delay. The Supreme Court has observed that a large number of institutions have not yet responded to the survey, failing to which, an action will be taken.

According to the official UGC notice, the Court has expressed disappointment that many institutions have still not taken part in the survey. The Court said it is very important for all institutions to cooperate and participate, as the survey aims to support students’ mental well-being.

It also stressed that full cooperation from HEIs is needed so the National Task Force (NTF) can complete its report on the issue.

"We would like to give one last opportunity to all these Institutes to cooperate and join the survey, failing which we may have to pass some orders which the Institutes may not like and may bring a bad name to the respective Institutes," the official UGC notice reads.

Also read UGC’s list of 22 fake institutions across all states

UGC: Mental health survey for HEIs

The NTF was set up following the SC directive to address the rise in suicides in colleges and universities. The task force comprises representatives from various fields to ensure an interdisciplinary approach to tackle the mental health issues and the commission of suicides in HEIs.

The main aim of NTF is to identify the causes leading to student suicides, review existing regulations, and suggest measures to prevent them. In this regard, the UGC said the NTF portal is a central platform to gather perspectives from college students, parents, faculty members, mental health service providers, and institutional representatives.

SC's guidelines to prevent suicides

In July, the SC issued nationwide guidelines to prevent student suicides, making it mandatory for all institutions to adopt a mental health policy.

Along with 15 specific guidelines, the Court stated that these measures would remain in effect and binding until proper legislation or regulatory frameworks are established by the authorities.

Issuing a set of guidelines, the bench directed that all educational institutions with 100 or more students must appoint or hire at least one qualified counsellor, psychologist, or social worker with proven training in child and adolescent mental health.