The University Grant Commission vide its notification dated 6th May 2022, has framed Guidelines for Promotion of Physical Fitness, Sports, Students’ Health, Welfare, Psychological and Emotional Well Being at Higher Educational Institutions of India in order to address the issues and challenges arising out of stress to the students.
The main objective of the guidelines is to ensure equitable access to quality mental health services to all the students enrolled in Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) with special emphasis on
- promote physical fitness and sports activities for students
- creating safeguardsagainst academic pressure, peer-pressure, behavioral issues, stress, career concerns, depression and other issues pertaining to mental health of students;
- to inculcate positive thinking & emotions in student community and
- to promote positive and supportive network for students.
All HEIs in India may make or amend their Ordinances, regulatory provisions, and other rules accordingly to ensure that the directions given in these guidelines are implemented in the best interest of students.
Every HEI shall have a Students Services 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 from divergent cultural backgrounds, and students with special needs.
The SSC must have necessary resources like competent physical and mental health counsellors, physical and mental health experts, and physical / physio-psychological assessment tools to inform the students, assess them, guide them and provide necessary counselling interventions to make them feel enabled, energised and independent functionaries capable of pursuing their career goals.
Details of student support system for physical and mental health of students must be properly highlighted on the website of respective HEIs and their admission brochures.
UGC has invited comments / suggestion from all stakeholders including students and faculty of HEIs, parents and member of the civil society which shall be sent to UGC on policyfeedbackugc@gmail.com within 2 weeks.
