COVID-19 lockdown: UGC directs universities, colleges to set up mental health helplines for students

On the other hand, the Union health ministry launched a toll-free helpline (08046110007) for people who are facing or may face mental health issues due to the ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown.

Amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the University Grants Commission (UGC) directed all universities and colleges to set up mental health helplines to address psychosocial concerns of students during the lockdown imposed to combat the virus spread.

In a letter to vice-chancellors, UGC Secretary Rajnish Jain stated that it is highly important to address any kind of mental health and psycho-social concerns of the student community during and after the COVID-19 situation issue.

The letter further stated that in order to reassure that students are not going through any kind of stress or panic during this lockdown due to delayed results, postponement of examination, and deferred classes. The universities and colleges may set up mental health helplines for the purpose. The concerned authorities also asked the academic institutions to monitor the helpline regularly and manage the same with the help of counselors and identified faculty members. The commission advised the academic institutions to keep students stress free and ask them to remain calm.

The UGC Secretary also asked the universities to form COVID-19 help groups of students, headed by hostel wardens and senior faculty, who can identify friends and classmates in need of help.

On the other hand, the Union health ministry launched a toll-free helpline (08046110007) for people who are facing or may face mental health issues due to the ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown. The Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank'  on April 5, made this clear that decision regarding reopening schools and conducting pending exams would be taken only after reviewing the situation.

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