Leh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, has appointed 2015 batch IAS officer Bhanu Prabha as the Nodal Officer to coordinate with the National Task Force on student mental health, as per an official order issued on Saturday.
Appointment in Compliance With Supreme Court Directions
The appointment comes as part of the UT Administration’s efforts to strengthen mechanisms addressing mental health concerns among students.
The National Task Force was constituted as per the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in its judgment dated 24 March 2025, related to Criminal Appeal No. 1425/2025 (SLP Crl. No. 13324/2024).
According to the order, sanction is accorded to designate Smt. Bhanu Prabha, IAS, Administrative Secretary of the Higher Education Department, as the Nodal Officer responsible for coordinating all UT-level initiatives with the Task Force, particularly those aimed at preventing student suicides and improving mental health systems.
Key Responsibilities of the Nodal Officer
As the Nodal Officer, Bhanu Prabha will –
- Coordinate with the National Task Force on mental health and student wellness.
- Streamline policies and support systems for suicide prevention.
- Facilitate implementation of actionable guidelines across educational institutions in Ladakh.
Work closely with Higher Education, School Education, Technical Education, and Skill Development departments.
This decision is seen as a significant step toward creating a more supportive and mentally safe environment for students in the region.
About IAS Officer Bhanu Prabha
Bhanu Prabha, an accomplished IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre (2015 batch), currently serves as Administrative Secretary for Higher Education, School Education, Technical Education, and Skill Development in Ladakh.
Educational Background & Professional Profile
- Date of Birth: 22 July 1987
- Educational Qualifications:
- PG Diploma in Management – IIM Ahmedabad
- M.A. in Public Management – Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi
Throughout her administrative career, Bhanu Prabha has demonstrated strong leadership and governance capabilities across multiple sectors. Her appointment is expected to add strategic clarity and efficiency to Ladakh’s initiatives for student well-being.
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