India's Student Mental Health Crisis: Over 10,000 Suicides in 2020 Spark Supreme Court Intervention
Published on 3.26.25
Mental health has become a pressing concern in India, with the country witnessing an alarming number of student suicides. The Indian Supreme Court has taken notice of this trend and is urging for a comprehensive mechanism to support students' mental well-being.
A recent report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) revealed that in 2020, over 10,000 students took their own lives, with mental health issues being a significant contributing factor. This trend is not limited to rural areas; cities like Delhi and Mumbai have also seen a surge in student suicides due to mental health struggles.
The Indian government has taken some steps to address the issue, including launching a mental health program for school children. However, experts argue that more needs to be done to provide accessible and affordable mental health services, particularly in rural areas where resources are scarce.
The Supreme Court's intervention is seen as a crucial step towards creating awareness about the importance of mental health support systems. The court has also emphasized the need for schools to take responsibility for students' mental well-being, suggesting that they should have trained counselors on staff and provide regular check-ups for students.