COVID-19: UGC Directs Universities To Set Up Counselling Helplines For Students

New Delhi: To address the psychosocial issues arising among students because of the COVID-19 lockdown, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed the universities and colleges to set up student helplines across the country.

In a letter to vice chancellors, UGC Secretary Rajnish Jain wrote, “During the period of national lockdown, it is equally important to address any kind of mental health and psychosocial concerns of student community during and after COVID-19 situation issue.”

Advisory for Universities & Colleges regarding Mental Health, Psychosocial Concerns and Well being of students during and after #COVID-19 outbreak. #IndiaFightsCorona @PMOIndia @DrRPNishank @HRDMinistry @PIBHRD @PTI_News @DDNewslive @PTI_News @AkashvaniAIR @AIUIndia pic.twitter.com/Yw9l9wC55M

— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) April 6, 2020

The commission also stated that well trained-counsellors and identified faculty members will be monitoring these helplines.

If required, the educational institutions may also establish student help groups headed by the hostel wardens and senior faculty members to identify the students in distress.

According to the commission, students should be regularly mentored to remain calm and stress free during this crisis.

The Union Health Ministry has also launched a toll-free helpline (08046110007) for the stressed out people during the lockdown.

Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal on Sunday said that after reviewing the current situation, a decision on reopening the schools and colleges on April 14 will be taken.