In a significant move aimed at strengthening student well-being, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) has begun drafting a comprehensive mental health policy for its campus community, an initiative that could serve as a model for other IITs.
The first draft has been prepared by the institute’s Wellness Centre, which provides mental health support to students, faculty and staff. The framework was developed in consultation with the Dean of Student Welfare, Associate Dean of Student Wellness, in-house clinical psychologists, external advisors and faculty members to ensure a balanced and professionally informed approach.
The effort was reinforced through “SAHYOG 2.0”, an inter-IIT dialogue focused on sharing best practices and institutional experiences. The discussions centred on understanding existing policies, protocols and governance systems across IITs and incorporating effective elements into a comprehensive and inclusive mental health framework.
SAHYOG 2.0 builds on the earlier edition held in 2024 and aligns with recent directives from the Supreme Court of India and the University Grants Commission, both of which have underscored the need for robust mental health governance in higher education institutions.
Deliberations covered preventive and responsive support systems, the role of Wellness Centres and counselling cells, and the formulation of standard operating procedures to address crisis situations. Participants also discussed the possibility of standardising mental health policies across IITs.
Delegates from all IITs, including Deans, faculty members and mental health professionals, attended the event. External experts from institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh, Government Medical College and Hospital Chandigarh, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences, King George’s Medical University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry Kolkata, O P Jindal Global University, Mariwala Health Initiative, University of Delhi and the Uttarakhand Police Special Investigation Force were also present. A Supreme Court advocate and an anthropologist were among the distinguished participants.
IIT Roorkee Director Prof K.K. Pant said mental health and well-being have become critical pillars of excellence in higher education. Initiatives such as SAHYOG 2.0, he added, reflect a shared recognition of this responsibility among institutions.
