India, Jan. 25 -- The Supreme Court has extended both the scope and tenure of the National Task Force (NTF) set up to examine the rising incidence of student suicides and mental health issues in higher education institutions across India.

Taking note of the NTF's interim report, the court issued a series of directions aimed at strengthening student safety, mental health support systems and institutional accountability, according to a press statement released by the task force.

The court directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other regulatory bodies to improve the collection and reporting of student suicide data. Institutions have also been asked to submit annual reports detailing cases of suicides and other unnatural deaths...