Srinagar, Jan 29 : In a significant move aimed at strengthening mental health protection and preventing suicides among students, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted District Level Monitoring Committees across the Union Territory to oversee implementation, conduct inspections and address complaints related to student mental health.
The order has been issued vide order number 117-JK (GAD) of 2026 dated January 28, 2026, by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, M. Raju, IAS as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, The decision follows directions passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Criminal Appeal No. 3177 of 2025 arising out of SLP (Crl) No. 6378 of 2024, titled Sukdeb Saha versus The State of Andhra Pradesh and others.
Th order reads that each District Level Monitoring Committee will be chaired by the Deputy Commissioner and will include the Chief Education Officer, Chief Medical Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, and one representative from civil society to be nominated by the Deputy Commissioner.
The committees have been tasked with overseeing the implementation of Supreme Court directions and guidelines related to mental health protection and suicide prevention among students. They will also conduct periodic inspections of educational institutions and examine complaints concerning student mental well-being within their respective districts.
The move aims to ensure early intervention, accountability, and a coordinated response involving education, health, social welfare departments, and civil society to address growing concerns over student mental health. —(KNC)
