JIPMER asks students, faculty to participate in National Task Force survey on mental health
Puducherry: Through a recent notification, the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) has asked all faculty members, students, administrators, and mental healthcare providers to participate in a national survey initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
The National Task Force (NTF) has been constituted pursuant to the Supreme Court Judgment in Criminal Appeal No. 1425/2025 @ SLP (Crl) No. 13324/2024 titled Amit Kumar & Ors vs. Union of India & Ors.
The circular states, “All students, mental healthcare providers, administrators, and faculty members are hereby encouraged to make sincere and timely participation in the survey.” The official website link for participation is mentioned in the notification.
The initiative aims to ensure nationwide participation and compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive to collect data and insights relevant to the National Task Force’s objectives under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The notice has been issued by the Dean (Academic) of JIPMER in reference to a communication received from the Ministry.
The key areas of focus for the National Task Force were identifying predominant causes leading to student suicides, such as academic pressure, discrimination, financial burdens, and the stigma surrounding mental health, analyzing the effectiveness of existing student welfare and mental health regulations/policies, and proposing reforms to strengthen institutional frameworks and create a supportive academic environment.
On 24th March 2025, The Honourable Supreme Court of India emphasized the urgent need to address mental health concerns among students in higher education institutions. The Honourable Supreme Court of India constituted a National Task Force under the Chairpersonship of Justice (Retired) S. Ravindra Bhat. The Task Force includes experts from various domains. Its mandate is to deliberate on student mental health issues, recommend preventive measures to reduce student suicides, and strengthen support systems across higher educational institutions.
To view the notification, click the link below
