Bhubaneswar: Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has recommended steps to strengthen mental health support in higher educational institutions, expressing concern over rising psychological stress and suicides among students and youths.The recommendation came while disposing of a petition filed by Cuttack-based Brundaban Das Azad, who sought OHRC’s intervention to prevent and reduce suicides among young people, particularly students. The petitioner submitted that intense academic competition, examination pressure, parental and social expectations, and inadequate counselling facilities have pushed many students into severe psychological distress.In its order issued on Sept 11, OHRC asked higher education department and heads of universities in Odisha to ensure effective implementation of Supreme Court guidelines relating to student mental health and suicide prevention. OHRC said higher educational institutions should put in place counselling services, mental health awareness programmes, training for staff and students, referral mechanisms and other safety measures.The commission also advised health and family welfare department and director of health services to extend counselling, mental health support and referral services in coordination with educational institutions. It stressed the need for functional institutional mechanisms to identify vulnerable students and ensure timely intervention to prevent suicides among students and youths.Disposing of the matter, OHRC directed the authorities concerned to submit a compliance or action taken report within three months of receiving the order. Counsel for the petitioner, Afraaz Suhail, said several students from universities in Odisha had died by suicide after battling depression and other mental health issues.