February 07, 2026:The third District Level Monitoring Committee Meeting for South Goa constituted to implement guidelines of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and the National Task Force concerning mental health among students and the prevention of suicides in educational institution, was chaired by Ms. Egna Cleetus, Collector and District Magistrate, South Goa District, in the presence of Shri Tikam Singh Verma, Superintendent of Police (South Goa), Shri Bhushan Sawaikar, Director of Higher Education, and Shri Suman Kundu, Dean of BITS Pilani Institute. Officials from the Departments of Technical Education, Social Welfare, Health Services, Tribal Welfare, and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Vasco were also present.
Apprising the committee, Shri Kundu, Dean, BITS Pilani stated that various initiatives have been undertaken for student welfare, including the engagement of counselors and psychiatrists to support students dealing with stress- and depression-related issues. He said several mental wellness and rejuvenation camps are being organised to refresh and enhance the overall mental well-being of students.
Shri Kundu informed that the Goa Campus has implemented a comprehensive framework to support student wellness, mental health, academic success, and campus life through integrated institutional initiatives.
Shri Kundu further informed that key programmes include Mitr, a faculty-led hostel outreach initiative encouraging open conversations, and Sethu, a structured mentorship system connecting every student with faculty mentors. He stated that peer-based support is strengthened through Mental Health Buddies (in collaboration with Rahat Trust), TAG—an anonymous student support group—and a robust Peer Mentorship Programme for freshers.
Shri Kundu informed that professional care is provided through an expanded Mpower Centre comprising psychologists, therapists, and a psychiatrist, along with 24×7 medical services, dedicated helplines, COOJ counselling, and Myndwell assessments for early identification and intervention.
He also stated that faculty members and wardens have undergone Mental Health First Aid and Gatekeeper training.
Shri Kundu stated that academic reforms include liberal evaluation practices, spaced examinations, curriculum restructuring, and the introduction of BITS K101 – Physical Well-being and Creativity. He further informed that innovation is promoted through initiatives such as Challengathon and a 24×7 Innovation Lab.
Shri Kundu informed that campus life has been enhanced through extended sports facilities, open gyms, shuttle services, upgraded hostels, and expanded library hours. He stated that campus safety is ensured through comprehensive CCTV coverage, X-ray screening, and a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.
It maybe recalled that the Directorate of Higher Education had constituted a District Level Monitoring for South Goa
to implement guidelines concerning mental health among students in pursuance of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s judgement in the matter of Sukdeb Saha versus State of Andhra Pradesh and in accordance with the directives issued by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India.
