IIT Roorkee Initiates Drafting Of Comprehensive Campus Mental Health Policy

The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee has commenced the formulation of a comprehensive mental health policy for its campus community.

The institute announced the initiative on Sunday, describing it as a decisive step to reinforce student welfare within higher education.

Administrators view the move as a potential benchmark for other IITs nationwide.

The institute’s Wellness Centre prepared the initial draft. The centre functions as the primary mental health support facility for students, faculty and staff.

Officials developed the framework through extensive consultation. The Dean of Student Welfare and the Associate Dean of Student Wellness contributed to the drafting process.

Clinical psychologists at IIT Roorkee provided professional expertise. External advisers and faculty members also offered institutional insights.

This collaborative approach ensured that the draft reflects both clinical rigour and academic experience.

The institute strengthened the initiative through ‘SAHYOG 2.0’, an inter-IIT dialogue designed to exchange policy perspectives and operational practices.

Inter-IIT Policy Collaboration

Participants examined existing governance mechanisms across IIT campuses.

They assessed protocols already in force and identified best practices.

Organisers intend to incorporate these findings into a comprehensive and inclusive policy architecture.

SAHYOG 2.0 builds upon the foundation laid by SAHYOG 1.0 in 2024.

The latest deliberations align with directives issued by the Supreme Court of India and the University Grants Commission.

Both institutions have underscored the urgency of structured mental health governance in universities.

Delegates deliberated on preventive strategies and responsive intervention systems.

They evaluated the roles of Wellness Centres, counselling units and student welfare bodies.

Participants also proposed standardised policies across IITs and clear standard operating procedures for crisis management.

The event convened representatives from all IITs, including Deans, faculty members and mental health professionals.

Experts from leading medical and academic institutions joined the consultations. A Supreme Court advocate and an anthropologist also participated.

Director Prof K K Pant affirmed that mental well-being now constitutes a fundamental pillar of institutional excellence.

He stated that SAHYOG 2.0 reflects a collective commitment among IITs to uphold this responsibility through structured governance and sustained collaboration.

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