MP Colleges Must Hire Counsellors, Mentors for Student Mental Health

The department said, "Directives have been issued in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment and are intended to ensure early identification of stress, anxiety, and behavioural issues among students."​

Under the new norms, all institutions with 100 or more students must appoint at least one trained counsellor. Colleges with fewer students have been directed to ensure access to counselling services through empanelled external experts. ​

Eligible candidates include those with postgraduate degrees in Psychology, trained psychologists, social workers, and experienced professionals from related fields.​

The department emphasised that mental health support cannot be limited to counsellors alone. Institutional awareness has been made a key pillar of the policy. Special training programmes will be conducted for teaching and non-teaching staff, administrative officials, and security personnel.​

These sessions will focus on mental health awareness, psychological first aid, identifying warning signs in student behaviour, and ensuring timely referral to experts.​

Parental participation has also been made an integral part of the framework. Institutions have been asked to organise regular awareness sessions for parents to help families recognise early signs of emotional distress and extend timely support at home.​

A structured mentor-mentee, or guardian-tutor, system has been made mandatory. One faculty member will be assigned as a mentor for every group of 25 to 40 students.

The mentor will monitor attendance, academic performance, conduct, and identify students facing difficulties. They will provide guidance on academic, personal, and career-related issues while maintaining regular communication with parents.​

Mentors will also encourage participation in co-curricular activities and help students prepare for competitive examinations. Maintaining student records and counselling registers has been made compulsory to ensure proper tracking and accountability.​

To improve accessibility, institutions have been instructed to prominently display mental health helpline numbers across campuses, including through wall paintings at key locations.​

Usha Nair, Officer on Special Duty in the Department of Higher Education, said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to student well-being.​

She explained that a combined approach involving counsellors, trained staff, mentors, and parents would help create a safe and responsive system within institutions. The department has asked all institutions to implement the guidelines on priority and submit compliance reports in a prescribed format.

Continuous monitoring will be undertaken, and necessary support will be provided to ensure effective implementation.​

- IANS