IIT Roorkee has drafted a new mental health policy. It aims to support students and staff. The policy outlines clear guidelines. It includes counselling and crisis intervention. The draft comes from the institute’s wellness centre. Faculty and mental health experts contributed. They collaborated through SAHYOG 2.0. This is an inter-IIT consultation.
Policy Development
SAHYOG 2.0 allowed IITs to share experiences. They learned from existing mental health frameworks. The goal is a coordinated, student-focused policy. Discussions centered on prevention and crisis response. IIT Roorkee Director K.K. Pant stated, “Student mental health is key to quality higher education.” He emphasized the shared commitment.
Expert Involvement
Academics and mental health experts from all IITs participated. Specialists from AIIMS Rishikesh and other institutions joined. These included GMCH Chandigarh and IHBAS Delhi. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) also contributed. Their input aims for consistent policies across institutions.
Context of Need
IIT Roorkee’s initiative follows a rise in student suicides. Several deaths have occurred at IITs recently. A student died at IIT Bombay this month. A PhD scholar died at IIT Kanpur last month. The Supreme Court and the Ministry of Education are investigating these cases.
Supreme Court and UGC Guidelines
The Supreme Court issued directions in January. These came after an interim report on mental health. Institutions must ensure safe environments. They also need to address recruitment and scholarships. The draft policy aligns with these Supreme Court guidelines. It also follows University Grants Commission (UGC) directives. UGC previously called for mental health centres in universities.
Ministry Action
Following the IIT Kanpur suicide, the education ministry formed a panel. This three-member committee investigates incidents. It will also recommend preventative measures. The ministry aims to prevent future deaths.
IIT Roorkee’s Goals
The new policy seeks to strengthen support systems. It aims to reduce student stress and distress. This initiative responds to national concerns about student well-being in higher education.
Support Resources
Individuals in distress can seek help. Call 9820466726 for AASRA. Visit the AASRA website. Call iCALL at 9152987821. Various suicide prevention organizations offer support. You can find a list of helplines at findahelpline.com.