J&K Govt Constitutes District-Level Committees to prevent student suicides

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: In a significant step to strengthen mental health protection among students, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted District Level Monitoring Committees to oversee the implementation of measures aimed at preventing student suicides.
According to Government Order No. 117-JK (GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department, the committees have been formed in compliance with directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in Criminal Appeal No. 3177 of 2025, arising out of the Sukdeb Saha vs State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors case.
Each district-level committee will be headed by the Deputy Commissioner as Chairperson, with the Chief Education Officer, Chief Medical Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, and a representative from civil society nominated by the Deputy Commissioner as members.
The committees have been tasked with overseeing the implementation of Supreme Court guidelines, conducting periodic inspections, and examining complaints related to mental health protection and suicide prevention among students across educational institutions in their respective districts.
The order, dated January 28, 2026, has been issued by M. Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, and comes into force with immediate effect.