One in 11 Indian students reporting suicidal thoughts: Supreme Court panel

The comprehensive survey findings underscore a growing mental health crisis among Indian youth, with 9% of students disclosing suicidal thoughts over the past six months, according to data from the National Task Force. The research also identified that 15% of respondents experienced feelings of being overwhelmed or emotionally distressed during the same period.

The National Task Force, constituted by the country's apex court, has been conducting this nationwide assessment to gauge the psychological well-being of students across India's educational institutions. The troubling statistics have prompted urgent attention to mental health support infrastructure in schools and colleges.

The findings come as the task force prepares to submit its final report to the Supreme Court by October 31. Mental health experts and education administrators are expected to use the comprehensive data to inform policy recommendations and intervention strategies aimed at addressing the documented psychological distress among the student population.

The survey results highlight the critical need for enhanced counselling services, peer support programmes, and teacher training in mental health awareness across educational institutions nationwide. Stakeholders have called for immediate measures to establish robust mental health frameworks within schools to identify and support vulnerable students.