The University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India Secretary, Prof. Rajnish Jain had been issuing regular advisories requesting HEIs to take all possible preventive and precautionary measures to ensure the safety and security of students, whether on campus in hostel or outside, as we confront the COVID- 19 outbreak. During the period of national lockdown, it is equally important to address any kind of mental health and psychosocial concerns of the student community during and after COVID-19.
The order Vide F. No 1-1/ 2020 (Secy) dated 5th April in reference of D.O. No Secy (HE)/ MHRD/ 2020 dated 4th April, 2020 to reassure the student community to avoid any kind of stress or panic in the prevailing situation vis-a-vis their studies, health and related issues, Universities and Colleges are requested to take the following measures for the mental health, psychosocial aspects and well-being of the students:
- Set up help lines for mental health, psychological concerns and well-being of students in Universities/ Colleges. To be regular monitored and managed by Counsellors and other identified faculty members.
- Regular mentoring of students through interactions, and appeal/letters by the Universities/Colleges to remain calm and stress free. This can be achieved through telephones, e-mails, digital and social media platforms.
- Form COVID-19 help groups of students, headed by hostel wardens/senior faculty who can identified friends/classmates in need of help and provide immediate help.
- Share the following video links of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare https://wwww.mohfw.gov.in/on your University/College website, and with students and faculty via e-mail, through social media like Facebook, WhatsApp and twitter etc.:
- Practical tips to take care of your Mental Health during the Stay In https:www.youtube.com/watch?y=uHB3WJsLJ8&feature=youtube
- Minding our minds during the COVID-19
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/MindingourmindsduringCoronaeditedat.pdf
- Various Health Experts on how to manage Mental health & Well Being during COVID-19 outbreak.
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?y=iuKhtSehp24&feature=youtu.be
- Behavioural Health: Pschyo-Social toll free helpline- 0804611007
The implementation of the above measures may be regularly monitored and actions taken in this regard may be submitted on the University Activity Monitoring Portal of UGC at ugc.ac.in/uamp.
The Secretary of UGC directed the Vice Chancellor of all Universities and Principal of all Colleges to ensure Stay Indoors, Stay Health, Stay Free.
(Kiso, IA Tening)