IIT Roorkee drafts mental health policy with counselling, crisis support, student-focused measures

The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) has drafted a comprehensive mental health policy for its students and staff, aiming to provide clear guidelines for mental well-being and support across the campus. The draft, prepared by the institute's wellness centre with the help of faculty, mental health experts, and advisors, aims to provide a structured, inclusive approach to mental well-being across IIT.

The initiative was strengthened by SAHYOG 2.0, a centralised inter-IIT consultation designed to share experiences, learn from existing mental health frameworks, and develop a coordinated policy.

The collaborative sessions allowed IITs to learn from each other and stressed the importance of a student-focused, inclusive, and practical policy to support the mental health of the entire IIT community.

The discussions focused on student-centred strategies, prevention, promotion, quick response, and clear procedures for crises.

IIT Roorkee mental health policy draft

“Student mental health and well-being are key to quality higher education. SAHYOG 2.0 shows our shared commitment to this goal,” said KK Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee.

The consultation involved academics and mental health experts from all IITs, as well as specialists from AIIMS, Rishikesh, GMCH Chandigarh, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), King George's Medical University (KGMU), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), OP Jindal, Mariwala Health Initiative, Delhi University, and others. Their suggestions aim to create consistent mental health policies and practical, inclusive management across institutions.

SAHYOG 2.0 follows the earlier SAHYOG 1.0 held in 2024 and follows guidelines from the Supreme Court of India and the University Grants Commission (UGC), showing the increasing focus on mental health in higher education.

IIT suicides, SC, education ministry

IIT Roorkee's initiative comes at a time when the premier engineering colleges are seeing a sharp uptick in suicide cases, prompting the Supreme Court and the ministry of education to investigate. Dozens of deaths have been reported in IITs and other top institutions in recent years. Most recently, a 21-year-old student at IIT Bombay died by suicide earlier this month, and a 25-year-old PhD scholar at IIT Kanpur last month.

In January, the SC, based on the interim report of the National Task Force (NTF) on mental health, issued a set of directions to institutions. These guidelines included specific institutions on recruitment, scholarship disbursement and beyond. The SC also made institutions responsible for providing a safe environment for students.

After the IIT Kanpur suicide, the education ministry, too, set up a three-member panel to not just investigate the IIT K incident but also undertake a wider probe and recommend measures to prevent repeats of such deaths.

Against this backdrop, IIT Roorkee’s new mental health policy aims to strengthen support systems and reduce stress and distress among students.

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.