MARGAO
As South Goa District Collector Egna Cleetus, IAS, initiates an inquiry into the recent death of a 20-year-old BITS Pilani student, the Supreme Court’s guidelines on student mental health and suicide prevention have come sharply into focus.
These guidelines, issued by the country’s apex court in the case of Sukdeb Saha v. State of Andhra Pradesh (Supreme Court, 25 July 2025), will form the basis of the Collector’s investigation.
According to sources, the inquiry will determine whether BITS Pilani, Goa, had implemented the Supreme Court-mandated norms on student mental health and suicide prevention, and whether relevant authorities ensured compliance within the institute.
Following the tragic death of student Rishi Nair, Collector Egna Cleetus visited the BITS Pilani campus. Sub-committees formed under her direction have already briefed her on preliminary findings as the probe moves toward its logical conclusion.
Significantly, the Supreme Court has declared these guidelines to be binding—similar to the Vishaka guidelines—until formal legislation is enacted.
Speaking to The Goan, Collector Egna confirmed that the inquiry remains at a preliminary stage but is expected to be completed within a week. She emphasized that the primary focus of the investigation will be to assess whether BITS Pilani complied with the Supreme Court’s guidelines on student mental health and suicide prevention.
The SC had laid down a host of guidelines to address the mental health of students, including a Uniform Mental health policy, student to counsellor ratios, staff training et al.
Uniform Mental Health Policy
*All educational institutions must adopt and implement a mental health policy, drawing from UMMEED draft guidelines, MANODARPAN, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy
Policy to be reviewed annually and displayed on websites/notice boards
Institutions with 100-plus students must appoint at least one qualified counsellor/psychologist/social worker trained in child & adolescent mental health
Smaller institutions must establish referral linkages with external professionals
Student-to-Counsellor Ratios
Maintain optimal ratios. Dedicated mentors/counsellors to be assigned to smaller batches, especially during examinations and transitions.
No Academic Shaming/Segregation: Coaching institutes/schools must avoid batch segregation, public shaming, or disproportionate academic targets.
Referral Protocols & Helplines: Written protocols for referral to mental health services, hospitals, and suicide helplines. Helpline numbers (e.g., Tele-MANAS) to be prominently displayed in hostels, classrooms, and websites.
Staff Training
All teaching & non-teaching staff to undergo mandatory bi-annual training by certified mental health professionals on psychological first aid, identifying warning signs, response to self-harm, and referral mechanisms.
Sensitivity to Marginalised Students
Training to ensure inclusive handling of students from SC/ST/OBC/EWS, LGBTQ+, disabled, orphaned, traumatised, or otherwise vulnerable backgrounds.
Anti-Ragging & Anti-Harassment Mechanisms
Institutions must establish confidential systems for reporting and redressal of ragging, bullying, caste/gender/sexual orientation/religion-based discrimination, sexual assault or harassment. Zero tolerance for retaliation. Failure leading to self-harm = institutional culpability.
Parental Sensitisation
Regular programmes for parents to avoid undue pressure, recognise distress, and respond empathetically. Students to be oriented in life skills, emotional regulation, and awareness of support services.
Annual Reporting
Institutions must maintain anonymised records of wellness interventions, referrals, and training. Submit annual reports to their regulatory body (UGC, AICTE, CBSE, State Education Dept.).
Extracurricular Development
Promote sports, arts, personality development. Review exam patterns to reduce burden and broaden identity beyond ranks.
Career Counselling
Regular structured sessions for students & parents, led by qualified counsellors. Focus on realistic choices, multiple pathways, reducing exam pressure.
Safe Hostel Environments
Hostels to remain free of harassment, bullying, drugs. Wardens/caretakers responsible for ensuring safe environment. Install tamper-proof ceiling fans/safety devices. Restrict access to rooftops, balconies, and high-risk areas.
Implementation & Monitoring
Guidelines apply to all institutions across India: schools, colleges, universities, coaching centres, hostels (public & private).
District-level Monitoring Committees to be formed under District Magistrate/Collector with representation from education, health, child protection, and civil society. Union Government to file compliance affidavit within 90 days.
Judgment to be circulated to Ministries (Education, Health, Law & Justice), UGC, NCERT, CBSE, AICTE, and all Chief Secretaries for implementation.
