The University Grants Commission (UGC) has drafted guidelines to mandate the creation of mental health counselors in colleges and universities to address various issues of students including peer pressure, depression, stress, and academic pressure. Under these guidelines, the cells also maintain separate records of students appearing to be more vulnerable and stress-prone.
The guidelines are expected to be released on Tuesday for public feedback and suggestion.
The guidelines issued by UGC states, “Every higher educational institution shall have a Student Service Centre “SSC” responsible for dealing with and managing the problems related to stress and emotional adjustment. It shall have the standardized, systematic arrangements within the relevant provision of ordinances to provide requisite support to students, especially from rural backgrounds, female students, students with special needs, and students belonging to divergent cultural backgrounds.”
M Jagadesh Kumar, Chairperson, UGC said that the main aim of drafting these guidelines is to promote physical fitness and sports activities among students, inculcate a positive attitude and create a supportive network of students. This will help in strengthening the mental well-being of students to deal with the different kinds of stress and pressure they face.
