IIT Roorkee begins drafting comprehensive mental health policy
On February 15, 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) announced a significant initiative aimed at enhancing student well-being within higher education. The institute has commenced the drafting of a comprehensive mental health policy tailored for its campus community. This initiative is viewed as a pioneering step that could potentially serve as a model for other Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) across the nation.
Background of the Initiative
The first draft of the mental health policy has been prepared by the institute’s Wellness Centre, which functions as a mental health care facility catering to students, faculty, and staff. The development of this draft involved collaboration from various stakeholders, including:
- Dean of Student Welfare
- Associate Dean of Student Wellness
- Clinical psychologists at IIT Roorkee
- External advisors
- Faculty members
This collaborative approach ensures that the framework of the policy reflects both professional expertise and the institutional experience of those involved.
SAHYOG 2.0: A Collaborative Effort
The initiative has been further bolstered by “SAHYOG 2.0,” an inter-IIT discussion platform aimed at sharing insights and learning from the experiences of other IITs. The primary goal of this dialogue was to understand existing policies, protocols, and governance systems across different IITs, with the aim of incorporating best practices into a comprehensive and inclusive mental health policy for the entire IIT community.
SAHYOG 2.0 builds upon the success of its predecessor, SAHYOG 1.0, which took place in 2024. This latest edition aligns with recent directives from the Supreme Court of India and the University Grants Commission (UGC), both emphasizing the importance of mental health governance in higher education institutions.
Key Discussions and Focus Areas
During the discussions held at SAHYOG 2.0, participants addressed a variety of critical issues, including:
- Framing and implementing effective mental health policies
- The necessity for preventive and responsive support systems
- The role of Wellness Centres, counselling cells, and student welfare bodies
- Standardizing mental health policies across IITs
- Creating clear standard operating procedures for crisis situations
The event brought together delegates from all IITs, including Deans, faculty members, and mental health professionals. Noteworthy external advisors from esteemed 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
- Uttarakhand Police Special Investigation Force
were also present, contributing their expertise to the discussions. Among the distinguished officials were a Supreme Court advocate and an anthropologist, further enriching the dialogue.
Importance of Mental Health in Higher Education
Speaking about the initiative, IIT Roorkee Director Prof. K.K. Pant emphasized that mental health and well-being have become critical pillars of excellence in higher education. He stated, “Initiatives like SAHYOG 2.0 demonstrate a shared recognition of this responsibility among institutions.”
The acknowledgment of mental health as a vital component of educational success highlights the need for institutions to proactively address the mental health challenges faced by students and staff alike.
Future Implications
The drafting of a comprehensive mental health policy at IIT Roorkee is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for the institute itself but also for the broader educational landscape in India. By establishing a robust framework for mental health governance, IIT Roorkee aims to:
- Enhance the overall well-being of its campus community
- Provide a supportive environment for students facing mental health challenges
- Set a precedent for other educational institutions to follow suit
- Encourage ongoing dialogue and collaboration among IITs regarding mental health policies
As the policy is developed and refined, it will be crucial for IIT Roorkee to ensure that it is inclusive, evidence-based, and adaptable to the evolving needs of its community.
Conclusion
The initiative taken by IIT Roorkee to draft a comprehensive mental health policy marks a significant step towards prioritizing mental health in higher education. By collaborating with various stakeholders and learning from the experiences of other IITs, the institute is setting a benchmark for mental health governance. This effort not only aims to improve the well-being of its students and staff but also serves as an inspiration for other institutions to recognize and address the importance of mental health in the educational environment.
Note: The information provided in this article is based on the latest developments as of February 15, 2026, and reflects the ongoing efforts to enhance mental health support in higher education.
