Student Well-being

Student Well-being

Syllabus Areas:

Essay

GS II - Polity, Governance

GS IV - Ethics

The Supreme Court of India expressed serious concern over the increasing number of student suicides, particularly in the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh regions.

  • Notably, 15 students reportedly died by suicide after the Intermediate exam results were released in 2023.
  • The court emphasized that mental health issues among students must be addressed urgently.
  • It also stressed the need for systemic reforms in educational institutions to prevent such tragedies.

Key Issues Highlighted:

  • Unbearable Academic Pressure:
    • Students are facing immense pressure due to competitive exams and academic performance expectations.
    • Many institutions are highly commercialized, adding stress without emotional or psychological support.
  • Commercialization of Education:
    • Institutions are often more focused on profits than on the well-being of students.
    • The lack of proper counseling systems has worsened student mental health issues.
  • Lack of Accountability:
    • Despite repeated incidents, educational institutions and regulatory bodies have failed to implement effective safety nets.

Recommendations by the Supreme Court:

A 15-Point Framework (Summarized):

  1. Mental Health Curriculum: Introduce basic mental health awareness in the education system.
  2. 100-Day Campaign: Run awareness and prevention campaigns across institutions.
  3. Counselors: Mandatory appointment of qualified psychological counselors in schools and colleges.
  4. Helplines: Establish 24/7 student helplines for emotional support.
  5. Audits: Conduct psychological audits of institutions periodically.
  6. Support for Marginalized Groups: Special focus on SC/ST, tribal and minority students.
  7. Anti-Harassment Policies: Strict enforcement against bullying and academic harassment.
  8. Parental Workshops: Involve parents in mental health sensitization.
  9. Complaint Redressal Cells: Institutions must have functioning grievance redressal systems.
  10. Safe Hostel Environment: Improve supervision and emotional safety in hostels.
  11. Ban on Corporal Punishment: Strict action against physical or mental abuse by staff.
  12. Balanced Curriculum: Reduce overburdening of students with unrealistic academic goals.
  13. Teacher Training: Teachers should be trained to detect early signs of stress.
  14. Data Collection: Establish systems for real-time data on student mental health.
  15. Regular Inspections: Periodic inspections by education boards and commissions.

Court’s Observation:

  • The court remarked that “students are not robots” and should not be treated as machines to produce results.
  • It urged both state governments and private institutions to work collaboratively to create stress-free learning environments.
  • Failure to act now would result in a generation lost to mental trauma and institutional negligence.

Prelims Questions:

  1. Which constitutional article relates to the right to mental well-being as interpreted by the Supreme Court?
    1. (a) Article 14
    2. Article 2
    3. Article 32
    4. Article 19(1)(a)

    2. Answer: (b) Article 21 : “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.”

  2. Which of the following Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) are relevant to ensuring mental health and welfare of students in educational institutions?
    1. Article 39(e) – Prevent abuse of youth due to economic necessity
    2. Article 41 – Right to work, education, and public assistance in case of sickness
    3. Article 45 – Early childhood care and education
    4. Article 47 – Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and standard of living

    3. Select the correct answer using the code below:

    1. 1 and 3 only
    2. 2, 3 and 4 only
    3. 1, 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Explanation: All these DPSPs collectively guide the state in creating an enabling and supportive environment for students’ well-being, including mental health.

  3. A student facing persistent harassment or mental trauma in an educational institution can approach the Supreme Court directly under which Article of the Constitution?
    1. Article 14
    2. Article 21A
    3. Article 29
    4. Article 32

    4. Answer: (d) Article 32

    Explanation: Article 32 provides the right to constitutional remedies, allowing any citizen to move the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.

Mains Question:

Q. Critically examine the role of the state and institutions in preventing student suicides. Suggest reforms. (250 words)