The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all higher educational institutions across India to implement mandatory mental health and well being measures for students. The move comes after a recent Supreme Court judgment linked to the suicide of a NEET aspirant, which highlighted systemic failures in addressing student stress and mental health concerns.
According to the new directive, universities and colleges must appoint qualified counselors and psychologists to provide professional support to students. The UGC emphasized that counseling services should be accessible, confidential, and available on a continuous basis, not just during examinations.
In addition, institutions have been asked to:
- Avoid segregating students based on academic performance.
- Establish safety measures in hostels and campus premises to prevent self-harm.
- Conduct regular awareness sessions on mental well being.
- Maintain monitoring mechanisms to identify early signs of distress among students.
The Commission noted that mental health challenges among students have been on the rise, particularly due to academic pressure, financial stress, and career uncertainty. The Supreme Court, in its ruling, had expressed concern that the lack of institutional support often leads to extreme outcomes like suicides.
UGC officials said the responsibility now lies with educational institutions to ensure that students receive the care and environment needed for their well being. Non-compliance with these directives could invite action against defaulting colleges.
The decision has been welcomed by mental health experts and student bodies, who believe that structured support systems within campuses can play a major role in reducing stress and saving lives. However, some institutions have raised concerns about funding and availability of trained professionals, urging the government to support the initiative with financial aid and training programs.
With this directive, the UGC aims to make mental health support a core responsibility of higher education institutions rather than an optional service.
