Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing a uniform Student Mental Health and Well-Being Policy for higher education institutions across the state, with plans to establish a Mental Health Support Cell in every university and college.
The proposed framework is aimed at creating a safer and more supportive academic environment for students dealing with academic pressure, examination anxiety, career-related stress and emotional difficulties. The policy will provide for coordinated mental health support at the state, district and institutional levels.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay in Lucknow on September 7, where officials discussed the proposed policy, expansion of mental health facilities and mechanisms for timely counselling and support.
Mental Health Cells Planned in All Higher Education Institutions
The central feature of the proposed policy is the creation of a Mental Health Support Cell in every higher education institution.
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The cells are expected to provide students with counselling in a safe and confidential setting and connect them with appropriate professionals depending on their needs.
The proposed support system will include:
- Counselling and psychological support
- Referral to specialist services where required
- A helpline for students facing severe stress or emergencies
- An online mental health portal for preliminary assessment
- Awareness programmes on mental health and stress management
- Career counselling and life-skills activities
The government has also proposed protecting the privacy and dignity of students while providing mental health support.
Three-Tier Structure for Implementation
The proposed policy will create a coordinated mechanism operating at three levels.
At the state level, the Director of Higher Education will serve as the nodal and implementing authority. A steering committee headed by the Principal Secretary, Higher Education, will oversee implementation, budget allocation and periodic review.
At the district level, committees headed by District Magistrates will coordinate with universities and colleges and monitor implementation.
At the institutional level, Mental Health Support Cells will serve as the primary point of contact for students seeking counselling and related assistance.
Proposed Implementation Structure
- State: Director of Higher Education — nodal and implementing authority
- State steering committee: Principal Secretary, Higher Education — oversight and review
- District: District Magistrate-led committee — coordination and monitoring
- Institution: Mental Health Support Cell — student-level counselling and support
Teachers and Staff to Receive Mental Health Training
The proposed framework also seeks to involve teachers, non-teaching staff and student representatives in identifying mental health concerns at an early stage.
Training will focus on recognising signs of stress and emotional distress and guiding students towards appropriate support.
Teachers will also be encouraged to organise small-group interactions covering:
- Mental health awareness
- Stress management
- Life skills
- Emotional well-being
A referral mechanism is also proposed for students who require specialised or urgent assistance.
Policy Goes Beyond Counselling
The government plans to approach student well-being as part of overall personality development rather than treating mental health solely as a counselling issue.
Higher education institutions are expected to promote awareness campaigns, workshops, sports and cultural activities and career counselling as part of the broader well-being framework.
The proposed policy also envisages using social media and other communication channels to circulate mental health awareness material and encourage healthy lifestyles.
Integrated Portal and Dashboard Proposed
For monitoring the initiative, the Higher Education Department is expected to develop an integrated portal and dashboard.
The system will help track mental health-related activities and support mechanisms across institutions and facilitate monitoring of implementation.
The proposal comes amid wider concerns about mental health among students in higher education. The Centre’s National Task Force on Mental Health Concerns of Students has also been issuing communications to higher education institutions and state higher education authorities.
The Uttar Pradesh government’s proposed framework seeks to make mental health support a more structured part of higher education, with institutions expected to combine academic development with counselling, awareness and student welfare.
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