Higher education institutions and universities across the nation were asked to set up student counselling centres on their campuses immediately.

In an official circular, University Grants Commission (UGC) directed all higher education institutions and universities to set up student counselling centres and avail the help of psychologists.

This, as per UGC, is for the safety and security of students at the time of cases like ragging or harassment.

ACCORDING TO THE CIRCULAR:

“Setting up of counselling centres are part of the guidelines issued by UGC regarding the safety of students on and off campuses of higher education institutions and has already been communicated to all institutions concerned.”

It also added that one of the most important components of the guidelines was that all higher education institutions should mandatorily place a students’ counselling system for effective redressal of problems and challenges faced by a student

FEW KEYNOTES:

The counselling system will be interactive and target-oriented. Students, teachers and parents will address students’ common concerns such as anxiety, stress, the fear of failure and homesickness.

Teacher counsellors are supposed to coordinate with the hostel wardens and exchange personal details regarding students, such as their academic records and behavioural patterns, so that appropriate action may be taken.

Students will be able to avail the services of trained psychologists as and when required at these centres.