The commission has asked colleges and universities to implement the guidelines “in letter and spirit”.

The UGC guidelines state, “The commission has constituted an expert committee to comprehensively examine all issues relating to mental health and physical, psychological and emotional well-being of students on campuses of higher education institutions and to formulate appropriate guidelines.” The Committee has suggested the following guidelines, which are to be implemented by all HEIs under the purview of the UGC.”

The commission said it has already issued guidelines for the physical safety of students, such as strengthening campus, hostels, playgrounds, cafeterias, libraries and other student activity spaces.

UGC Guidelines

A good campus life for students. “This can come through opportunities related to academics and co-curricular activities, apart from engagement with society and ecology through field training, job placement activities, educational tours and summer internships.”

Every college, university should have a Student Service Center (SSC) to deal with and manage problems related to stress and emotional adjustment.

Universities should focus on physical activity to help all students stay physically fit and mentally healthy.

Physical activity programs and provisions

Students get a chance to reform. “Higher educational institutions need to largely avoid such punitive measures and take affirmative action through programs that include engaging the services of professional psychological counselors and promoting wellness through yoga and meditation.”

Self-development programs can be started by universities, which can act as a catalyst for behavioral change, teaching value and nurturing human strengths.

Colleges, universities should plan tie-ups with institutes like NIMHANS, HBAS, RINPAS, AIIMS, and other institutes where psychiatry departments are fully functioning.

Colleges, universities should start special courses to prepare mental health professionals responsible for educating and training professionals.

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