National Task Force (NTF)

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About

The National Task Force (NTF) on Student Mental Health and Prevention of Suicides in Higher Education Institutions was constituted following the intervention of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on 24 March 2025, recognising the urgent need to address mental health concerns and prevent suicides among students in higher education institutions. The Task Force, headed by Justice (Retd.) S. Ravindra Bhat, focuses on understanding the factors affecting student mental health and developing effective measures for prevention, support, and institutional intervention.

SSD Girls College is committed to promoting the mental well-being of its students by fostering a safe, caring, inclusive, and supportive campus environment. The college encourages students to communicate their concerns, seek timely support, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build positive relationships with peers and teachers.

Objectives

With a mission to fight against drug abuse in the state, the government of Punjab has been running a first-of-its-kind initiative called the Buddy Program. The Buddy Program aims to educate children about the ill-effects of drug abuse and generate positive peer influence. Educational institutions in Punjab have formed buddy groups to make youngsters aware about drug addiction. There are over seven lakh buddy groups and more than 37 lakh children and young adults who are part of this programme.

This programme is key to Punjab's fight against drugs as it covers the adolescent age group and young adults between 18 to 25 years who are the most vulnerable group of people as far as drug usage is concerned.

On the prevention front, students through the Buddy Program develop knowledge, the right attitude and behaviour along with skills to prevent drug abuse.

Nodal Officer:

Mrs Neha Bhandari

Assistant Professor & Head Home Management and Home Science

Aims & Objectives

  • 1. To promote mental health, emotional well-being, and psychological resilience among students.
  • 2. To create a safe, supportive, inclusive, and student-friendly campus environment.
  • 3. To identify and address factors contributing to academic stress, anxiety, emotional distress, and social isolation.
  • 4. To encourage students to openly discuss their concerns and seek help without fear or stigma.
  • 5. To strengthen peer support and positive student–teacher relationships.
  • 6. To promote awareness about mental health, stress management, emotional regulation, and healthy coping strategies.
  • 7. To facilitate timely identification of students who may require additional support.
  • 8. To encourage appropriate counselling, guidance, and referral mechanisms within the institution.
  • 9. To reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental-health support.
  • 10. To develop a culture of care, empathy, respect, sensitivity, and responsibility across the campus.
  • 11. To contribute towards the prevention of student suicides through awareness, early support, and appropriate institutional interventions.

Member List

Sr No. Name
1 Dr Pomy Bansal
2 Ms. Bindu Garg

Activities

SSD Girls College undertakes and promotes activities aimed at strengthening student mental health and emotional well-being, including:

Mental health awareness programmes, seminars, and interactive sessions.

Counselling and guidance sessions for students facing academic, personal, emotional, or social challenges.

Stress-management and life-skills workshops focusing on healthy coping strategies.

Peer-support and Buddy Programme activities to encourage students to look out for one another.

Awareness campaigns and poster-making activities on mental health, emotional well-being, and suicide prevention.

Yoga, meditation, relaxation, and wellness activities to promote physical and emotional well-being.

Teacher–student interaction and mentoring sessions to identify concerns at an early stage.

Promotion of a safe and inclusive campus environment where students feel heard, respected, and supported.

Encouraging students to seek professional help and appropriate referrals whenever required.

Observance of relevant mental health and wellness awareness days through educational and participatory activities.

Through these initiatives, SSD Girls College strives to ensure that every student has access to a caring and supportive environment where mental well-being, dignity, safety, and emotional resilience are valued and promoted.

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