In a significant policy move aimed at strengthening student welfare, the Madhya Pradesh Higher Education Department on Friday issued comprehensive guidelines mandating mental health counselling services, structured mentorship systems, and wider institutional sensitisation across colleges and universities in the state.
The directive has been issued in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment and is intended to enable early identification of stress, anxiety, and behavioural issues among students. Officials said the framework is designed to build a more responsive support system within higher education institutions and reduce the risk of untreated mental health concerns.
Under the new rules, all colleges and universities with 100 or more students must appoint at least one trained counsellor. Institutions with fewer students will be required to provide access to counselling services through empanelled external experts. Eligible professionals include postgraduate psychology degree holders, trained psychologists, social workers, and experienced practitioners in related fields.
Also Read: Mumbai Court Orders Mental Health Evaluation for Railway Firing Accused
The policy goes beyond counselling services by making mental health awareness a shared institutional responsibility. Special training programmes will be conducted for teaching and non-teaching staff, administrative personnel, and campus security staff. These sessions will focus on recognising early warning signs of psychological distress, providing basic psychological first aid, and ensuring timely referral to professional support systems.
The guidelines also mandate the creation of a structured mentor-mentee system across campuses. One faculty member will be assigned to guide groups of 25 to 40 students, tracking academic progress, attendance, behaviour, and overall well-being. Mentors will also maintain communication with parents, support students in academic and personal challenges, and encourage participation in co-curricular activities and competitive exam preparation. Institutions will be required to maintain detailed counselling and student interaction records for accountability.
In addition, colleges have been instructed to display mental health helpline numbers prominently across campuses and conduct regular awareness sessions for parents to help them identify early signs of emotional distress. Officials said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to student well-being and will be implemented on priority, with institutions required to submit compliance reports and undergo continuous monitoring for effective execution.
Also Read: Iran Declares Strait Of Hormuz Completely Open During Ceasefire