Education Ministry forms 3-member panel to probe IIT Kanpur suicides; report due in 15 days

The Ministry of Education has constituted a three-member committee to look into the cases of suicide at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and review the implementation of its student mental health framework in higher education institutions. This follows the suicide of an IIT Kanpur PhD scholar earlier this week.

The committee will be chaired by Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairperson, NETF. Its members include Jitendra Nagpal, senior psychiatrist at Moolchand Hospital, and joint secretary (higher education), MoE.

The panel will interact with stakeholders at IIT Kanpur and seek relevant records as required and submit its report within 15 days, says the ministry of education’s order.

This comes as a Supreme Court-appointed National Task Force is already looking into the mental health and well-being of students and the causes of suicides among them.

The committee will identify gaps and systemic challenges in institutional mental health and wellbeing systems, and recommend measures to prevent suicides and strengthen student support. The SC has already issued a set of directives for higher education institutions.

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IIT Kanpur Suicide: Panel to review mental health framework

In the order, the ministry said it has taken cognisance of the incident, noting the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms for safeguarding the “emotional and mental well-being” of students in HEIs.

It referred to the “Framework Guidelines for Emotional and Mental Wellbeing of Students in Higher Education Institutions” issued in July 2023, aimed at creating an inclusive and supportive environment across campuses.

The order said the framework guidelines provide a roadmap for HEIs, highlighting “sensitisation and capacity building programmes for faculty members”, “orientation, counselling, and handholding mechanisms for students in HEIs”, and “early detection mechanisms for stress, distress, and vulnerability for immediate intervention.”

It also referred to the “development of institutional Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) and suicide prevention strategies”, along with the creation of “buddy-mentor systems in a link-chain model,” among other measures.

Also read IIT Kanpur Suicide: PhD scholar’s death due to lack of accountability, ‘capable’ counsellors, allege students

As per the terms of reference, the panel will assess IIT Kanpur’s compliance with the 2023 framework guidelines, review cases of student suicides at IIT Kanpur, and examine the circumstances around such incidents with specific reference to the availability and adequacy of institutional policies, grievance redressal mechanisms, counselling services and other student support systems.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.