Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Uttar Pradesh to Introduce Student Mental Health Policy Statewide
Uttar Pradesh wants colleges and universities to better support students’ mental health.
The state plans to create one common policy for higher education institutions.
Each institution would have a Mental Health Support Cell.
Students could receive private counselling and help from specialists when needed.
Teachers and student representatives would learn how to notice signs of stress.
A helpline and referral system would support students facing serious difficulties.
Activities such as sports, cultural programs, workshops, and career counselling would also be encouraged.
The government says it wants campuses to be safer, healthier, and more supportive.
Uttar Pradesh plans a uniform Student Mental Health and Well-Being Policy for higher education institutions.
The policy would establish Mental Health Support Cells in every college and university.
Students would receive confidential counselling and referrals to psychologists or other specialists.
Teachers, staff, and student representatives would be trained to identify mental health concerns early.
A helpline, online portal, awareness programs, and departmental dashboard are also proposed.
- Who
- The Uttar Pradesh government, led on the meeting initiative by Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, is developing the policy.
- What
- A uniform Student Mental Health and Well-Being Policy with counselling, referral, training, awareness, and monitoring systems is proposed.
- When
- The initiative was discussed on 7 September at a meeting held on Monday; the articles do not specify a year.
- Where
- The meeting took place in Lucknow, and the policy would apply across Uttar Pradesh’s higher education institutions.
- Why
- The policy aims to help students facing academic pressure, examination anxiety, career stress, or emotional difficulties and promote a safer, healthier academic environment.
- Policy scope
- All higher education institutions in Uttar Pradesh
- Institutional support
- A Mental Health Support Cell is proposed for every college and university.
- Counselling
- Students would receive support in safe and confidential settings, with referrals to counsellors, psychologists, or other specialists.
- State-level authority
- The Director of Higher Education would serve as the nodal and implementing authority.
- District oversight
- Committees chaired by District Magistrates would coordinate and monitor implementation locally.
- Additional services
- A helpline, referral mechanism, and online mental health portal with preliminary testing facilities are proposed.
- Monitoring
- An integrated portal and dashboard would track mental health activities and progress across institutions.