No dedicated framework to prevent student suicides, says Supreme Court-appointed panel

A Supreme Court-appointed panel has found a complete absence of a dedicated framework to prevent student suicides in India's higher education institutions. Most colleges and universities lack basic mental health support services, with 65 per cent not providing access to mental health service providers and 73 per cent lacking a full-time mental health professional. The panel also reported significant shortcomings in grievance redressal systems and institutional responses to student distress, citing a lack of tailored implementation strategies to suit diverse demographics.