Government To Launch Mental Health Program for Higher Education Institutions

In a significant move to support the well-being and academic success of students, the Government of India is set to launch a mental health program for higher education institutions across the country. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns over the mental health challenges faced by students, with an alarming rise in student suicides in recent years. As academic pressure, social stress, and personal issues continue to impact students’ mental well-being, this program aims to provide much-needed support and resources to ensure a healthier, more resilient student community.

According to recent statistics, suicide rate among students has been rising at an annual rate of 4%, which is twice the national average for suicides. In 2022, there were 13,044 student suicides, a slight decrease from the previous year, but still a major concern. Notably, male student suicides decreased by 6% from 2021 to 2022, while female student suicides increased by 7%. The states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh account for nearly one-third of these cases, with academic pressures being one of the leading causes​. Thus, the urgency of addressing mental health program in higher education comes to focus.

Why Mental Health Is Important For Students?

Having good mental health and access to resources that support well-being is crucial, especially when feeling lost, lonely, or demotivated. Taking care of one’s mental health not only improves overall well-being but also enhances academic and personal success. Here are a few reasons as to why the importance of a crucial need in today’s time.

1. Improves Focus: Good mental health helps students concentrate better on their studies.

2. Reduces Stress: It can help manage academic and personal pressures in students

3. Boosts Academic Performance: It is noticed that healthy minds are more productive and perform better in exams and assignments.

4. Enhances Emotional Resilience: Mental health helps students cope with challenges and setbacks. This helps them overcome their emotions that may cause them to feel low or disappointed.

5. Supports Social Interaction: Good mental health fosters better relationships with peers and teachers.

6. Promotes Self-Esteem: Healthy students are more confident and motivated to succeed.

7. Prevents Long-term Issues: Addressing the signs and symptoms early can prevent serious problems later in life.

8. Encourages Personal Growth: Mental health supports overall well-being and personal development.

About The New Initiative:

The Indian government has launched an extensive mental health program for higher education institutions (HEIs) to address the mental well-being and resilience of students across the country. This initiative, known as the “Integrated Approach to Promoting Positive Mental Health, Resilience, and Wellbeing in HEIs,” has been developed by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. The program builds upon existing mental health guidelines and advisories, introducing a more strategic, structured framework to support students’ psychological well-being on campus.

One of the primary interventions under this initiative is a “Capacity Building for Promotion of Positive Mental Health, Resilience, and Wellbeing” program. Starting from May 2024, bi-weekly online sessions have been organized with faculty members from 10-12 selected HEIs. These sessions aim to equip faculty with the tools to support student mental health, making them ambassadors of resilience within their institutions.

This approach has four main components: capacity building, model institution visits, online training, and policy guidance, all designed to reinforce a support system across HEIs. The program, which has engaged over 200 institutions and hundreds of students and faculty, aims to establish a sustainable framework for mental health and psychosocial support.

The first National Wellbeing Conclave at IIT Hyderabad, held as part of this initiative, brought together stakeholders—including educators, students, and policymakers—to discuss and reinforce mental health strategies. The event, guided by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on holistic student development, highlighted the importance of supportive campus environments that nurture social, emotional, and academic growth.

This Conclave also provided a platform for HEIs to share best practices, with institutions like IIT Madras presenting their KUSHAL program. Such initiatives include wellness surveys, grievance redressal, counseling services, and peer support networks.

The government’s commitment to student mental health was further underscored by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s recognition of mental health in the 2024 Economic Survey. She highlighted findings from the National Mental Health Survey, noting that a significant portion of Indian adults face mental health issues, with urban areas experiencing higher rates of prevalence. These findings, coupled with NCERT data showing a mental health decline among adolescents, emphasize the need for stronger, multi-layered support in educational settings.

Overall, the program represents a comprehensive approach to mental health support, combining immediate assistance with preventive strategies to promote healthier behaviors and reduce the onset of mental health issues among students. For example, IIT Bombay’s Healo Program serves as a model initiative, focusing on reducing academic stress through a blend of specialized counseling services and mindfulness workshops. Through this program, students gain access to certified counselors and peer support groups, creating a supportive network to help manage stress and improve mental well-being.

Thus to conclude, it’s vital not only to set up mental health support within institutions but also to build awareness about these resources. When students, faculty, and the community understand mental health issues and know about available support, they’re better equipped to seek help, support each other, and create a more accepting environment. Awareness helps reduce the stigma around mental health and encourages everyone to look after their well-being. By promoting knowledge and support, we create a positive culture on campuses that benefits students both academically and personally, making it easier for them to thrive and succeed.